A Cincinnati foster mother, recognized for her dedication to advocacy, tragically lost her life this week, along with two of her adopted children. Their suspected assailant later succumbed to what appeared to be self-inflicted stab wounds at a nearby hospital.
Authorities have named Anthony Mathis, 66, as a suspect in the tragic murders that occurred on Thursday, Oct. 24, involving 78-year-old Patricia McCollum, 32-year-old DJ McCollum, and 11-year-old Kaydence McCollum, as reported by the Cincinnati Police Department (CPD).
Mathis later passed away from his injuries after being taken to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, according to police reports.
Police officers and Cincinnati Fire Department personnel arrived at Springbrook Drive around 8 a.m. local time on Oct. 24 in response to a report of a stabbing. Upon arrival, they found three victims with stab wounds and confirmed that they had died. The Homicide Unit of the CPD is currently conducting an investigation.
Rosemary Oglesby-Henry, the founder of Rosemary’s Babies Company, confirmed to the outlet that DJ and Kaydence were Patricia’s adopted children, with Patricia being a founding board member, according to WLTW.
As reported by the Cincinnati Enquirer, authorities located Mathis at the residence where he had taken refuge, prompting SWAT teams to engage in lengthy negotiations with him.
The connection between him and the victims was not specified in a statement from the CPD. According to various sources, including a Fox affiliate, The Enquirer, and WLWT, Mathis had a prior criminal record and faced charges of strangulation and domestic violence in April 2023, with Patricia named as the victim.
A criminal complaint referenced by WXIX alleges that he “choked her, causing pain to her neck and lifting her off the ground at the same time.” A domestic violence protection order was first issued against Mathis, while a Hamilton County grand jury reportedly overlooked his strangulation charge, as stated by the sources.
A court entry referenced by WXIX indicates that the domestic violence charge was ultimately “dismissed for want of prosecution.”
Patricia is being honored by her friends and family as a “hero” and for her “legacy of love,” as highlighted in a GoFundMe campaign initiated by Deronn McCollum, which has garnered over $6,000 as of Saturday, Oct 26 for the beloved figure known in her community as Ms. Pat.
This legacy encompasses the initiation of community programs, nurturing countless children, and certifying numerous foster parents. As stated in the fundraising platform, she was affectionately referred to as “Pat for the People.”