In a tragic sequence of events on a Saturday afternoon, 42-year-old Matthew McArthur of White, Georgia, lost his life in what law enforcement officials have described as a murder-suicide. The incident, which also resulted in the death of 34-year-old Nayeli Fernandez-Diaz, unfolded on June 1, 2019, in Cartersville, Georgia. McArthur was a fun-loving individual who had a passion for rescuing animals, hunting, fishing, and boating.
He also enjoyed spending time with his family and friends at his ranch, Misfit Manor.
The events leading to the deaths began when Jose Flores-Neve, the 37-year-old estranged husband of Fernandez-Diaz, began following McArthur and Fernandez-Diaz. The pursuit ended when McArthur and Fernandez-Diaz turned onto a dead-end street, Gray Road, just off of Old Rudy York Road. It was there that Flores-Neve, armed with both a rifle and a pistol, confronted the pair.
Eyewitnesses in the vicinity reported hearing a barrage of approximately 20 gunshots. Flores-Neve fired numerous rounds, fatally wounding both McArthur and Fernandez-Diaz. After killing them, Flores-Neve then turned one of his weapons on himself, taking his own life at the scene. The Bartow County Sheriff's Office investigated the incident and concluded that it was a domestic dispute that had escalated to a tragic double murder and suicide.
As the perpetrator died by his own hand at the scene of the crime, no arrests were made in connection with the deaths of Matthew McArthur and Nayeli Fernandez-Diaz. The incident left the community in shock and mourning the loss of three lives. A celebration of life service was held for Matthew McArthur the following Friday.
