Detroit-area Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Brutal Slaying of WWJ Radio News Anchor Jim Matthews and Attack on His Family

A Detroit-area man has been sentenced to life in prison for the brutal slaying of WWJ radio news anchor Jim Matthews and attack on the anchor’s family. Arthur Williamson of Pontiac pleaded no contest in April to first-degree murder, assault with intent to murder and unlawful imprisonment.

At the sentencing hearing in Mount Clemens on Thursday, Macomb County Circuit Court Judge James Biernat called Williamson the “embodiment of evil”. A no-contest plea is not an admission of guilt but is used as such at sentencing.

Jim Matthews was a beloved news anchor at WWJ-AM in Detroit. He was killed in his home in December 2018. His wife and daughter were also attacked during the incident.

Williamson was arrested in January 2019 and charged with first-degree murder, assault with intent to murder and unlawful imprisonment. He was found guilty of all charges and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The family of Jim Matthews released a statement after the sentencing, saying they were relieved that justice had been served. They thanked the police and prosecutors for their hard work in bringing Williamson to justice. They also thanked the community for their support during this difficult time.