The authorities in Iowa reported that the father is suspected of murdering his 5-year-old son following weeks of preparation. Authorities have taken Matthew Schleier into custody regarding the homicide of Jack Matthew Schleier, according to police reports.
The man from Iowa is now charged with murder, having reportedly confessed to police that he had been planning for several days before he strangled his young son last month.
Jack Matthew Schleier, aged 5, passed away on October 29, as stated in his obituary.
Matthew Schleier, aged 45, has been taken into custody facing a charge of first-degree murder, according to reports from The Gazette and The Kansas City Star, which reference court documents and his first court appearance.
Authorities in Marion received calls regarding a child who was unresponsive at a residence in Marion, Iowa, early in the morning on October 29, as detailed in police reports and a criminal complaint referenced by local news outlets.
According to the complaint, Jack’s mother claimed to paramedics that the victim had been strangled by his father, as reported.
A tragic incident occurred as the child passed away following their transport to the hospital. Medical staff indicated, according to the complaint, that he had sustained bruises on his neck that were consistent with signs of strangulation.
In a police interview, Mathew reportedly admitted to the murder of Jack and revealed unsettling specifics regarding his premeditation, as stated in the complaint.
He reportedly mentioned considering the use of a knife against the child. Authorities subsequently discovered knives at the residence, which they regard as evidence supporting the notion that the homicide was planned, according to the complaint.
Mathew reportedly expressed that he had been reflecting for a week on how to take the child’s life and, on the night of the incident, he spent the majority of the night deliberating on the act, according to the complaint.
The circumstances surrounding whether the child was asleep during the incident remain uncertain. The police have not disclosed a motive.
According to reports, Mathew is facing a cash-only bail set at $1 million. His preliminary hearing is this week. It remains uncertain whether he has secured legal representation.