(WWJ) – As the community waits for more information from police regarding the murder of Jim Matthews and the attack on his family, Ashley Quigley -- his children's aunt -- has provided a new update on his girlfriend's and children's conditions.
The update was posted to the GoFundMe page Quigley organized. She and her husband are caring for her niece and advocating for her nephew as he recovers.
Quigley started by thanking everyone who has donated to the GoFundMe. The fundraiser reached its $10,000 goal on Monday morning. At this time, $13,000 has been raised toward a new goal of $15,000.
“Anything donated is going to these two kids," Quigley said in the original post. "They have been through so much and I feel like the least I can do is create something that helps them adapt to what comes after this tragedy."
She also thanked friends and local community members for all other donations the family has received, including clothes and toys.
"It warms my heart so much to see all of these strangers helping my family when these kids need it the most," Quigley wrote. "You guys are the light in our dark tunnel and even these words of kindness do not express my gratitude for you."
Most importantly, Quigley provided an update on her sister's and nephew's recovery. Both have been hospitalized and in critical condition since the attack on Friday afternoon.
According to Quigley, her sister is now in stable condition.
Her nephew, who suffered blunt force trauma, is showing signs of improvement as well.
The 10-year-old boy underwent successful brain and ear surgeries on Friday night and was in the pediatric ICU.
"After some tests and scans, his neck was deemed okay," Quigley shared in the post.
"He was able to take off his C-Collar which helped make the swelling in his face go down. He is still sedated while he heals, but he can move both sides of his body."
WWJ's Charlie Langton also spoke to Jim Matthew's brother, Joe, on Monday morning.
Joe shared that he has not slept since Friday's attack. His thoughts are with his niece and nephew.
Jim's 5-year-old daughter remains in stable condition and appears to be doing well.
"I am also happy to say that my niece is still acting like her normal happy self," their aunt wrote on the GoFundMe page, "though she does somewhat understand the situation going on."
Quigley wrapped up her post by thanking everyone again, saying that they still have "a long road to recovery ahead."
Donations to help the children can be made here.
Chesterfield police officials said they are investigating the case as a murder and attempted suicide.
Authorities have a 55-year-old man, now identified as Arthur "Van" Williamson, in custody. Williamson was found in the basement of the home suffering from self-inflicted wounds and a drug overdose. Per court records, he is expected to be charged with at least one count of homicide. His official arraignment is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.
Authorities have not released any information on a possible motive.
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