By JAMES MITCHELL
Sunday Times Newspapers
TAYLOR – The man accused of shooting and killing Police Cpl. Matthew Edwards is expected to undergo a competency hearing Wednesday before Wayne County Circuit Judge Ulysses Boykin.
Tyress Thearndos Matthews, 36, faces life in prison if convicted of premeditated first-degree murder. Additional charges include murder of a peace officer, a felony punishable by life in prison; assault with intent to murder, a felony punishable by life or any terms of years; felon in possesion, a five-year felony; felony firearm, which carries a mandatory two-year sentence; and as a habitual offender punishable by life in prison.
Matthews is being held at the Wayne County Jail without bond.
Edwards, the first Taylor police officer to be killed in the line of duty, died of gunshot wounds on July 23, 2010, after responding to a breaking-and-entering call at the Coppertree Apartments. Edwards and his partner, Cpl. Gregory Piche, arrived at the scene and saw Matthews leaning on a van near the residence on the 12000 block of Pine.
When the officers exited their vehicle, Matthews approached them, carrying a bag. Matthews said he and his wife had an argument, and he needed to re-enter the apartment for his keys.
At that time, it is alleged that Matthews fired a handgun, fatally striking Edwards. Matthews attempted to flee, and exchanged gunfire with Piche before being taken into custody. Matthews was wounded and treated at a nearby hospital, where he was arraigned.
(James Mitchell can be reached at [email protected])