Eric Dawon Matthews

Serial Killer

Eric Dawon Matthews: A Detailed Account of His Crimes

Early Life

Eric Dawon Matthews was born on May 3, 1974, in Indianapolis, Indiana. His early life was marked by significant trauma and instability. At the age of three, he was molested by an uncle, an event that profoundly affected his development. By nine, Matthews had frequent encounters with law enforcement due to minor offenses but was often too young to face legal consequences. In an attempt to address his behavioral issues, he was admitted to various mental health institutions across Michigan, Chicago, and Arizona. At ten, he committed a serious offense by raping a 35-year-old staff member at one of these facilities. Despite his violent tendencies, Matthews was eventually released and returned to Indianapolis, where he graduated from Lawrence Central High School. He was known for his charm, but underlying violent behaviors persisted.

Crimes

Matthews' criminal activities escalated over time, culminating in a series of heinous acts between 1994 and 1998.

Victims

• Kenya L. Willis
  • Age: 19
  • Date of Disappearance: June 1994
  • Location: Castleton, Indiana
  • Details: Willis was a co-worker of Matthews at a pancake house. She vanished mysteriously and remains missing to this day. At the time, Matthews was not considered a suspect.
• Christina Darnell
  • Age: 18
  • Date of Disappearance: August 29, 1994
  • Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
  • Details: Darnell was Matthews' live-in girlfriend and mother to their two-year-old daughter, Erica. She was reported missing after failing to contact her family for three days. Matthews claimed she left after an argument, but her family suspected foul play. Her body was never found.
• Lashann Sylve Matthews
  • Age: 20
  • Date of Murder: May 18, 1998
  • Location: Hammond, Louisiana
  • Details: Matthews' wife was found dead in their trailer home. She had been bound, gagged, and showed signs of choking. Matthews fled the scene with her two children, Rosalyn and James.
• James Sylve
  • Age: 17 months
  • Date of Murder: May 20, 1998
  • Location: Kenner, Louisiana
  • Details: Matthews' stepson was found deceased in a gym bag inside a trash bin behind a church. Matthews initially claimed he left James at a hospital but later confessed to killing him in a fit of rage.

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Confirmed Victims: (4)

Kenya Willis Age: (19), Date of Death: 1994-06

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Eric Matthews (serial killer) - Wikipedia

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