Man accused of stabbing ex-girlfriend had self-inflicted stab wounds, according to testimony

A former employer of Jerry Matthews, who is accused of attempted murder, testified Wednesday that Matthews called in after Jan. 5, saying he wouldn't be at work because he had 'self-inflicted” stab wounds.

Ken Matlack, Panera Bread district manager, said Matthews told him he was in the hospital. Matthews had missed some shifts but was a good employee, Matlack said.

A surgeon, who treated Matthews and the woman he's accused of stabbing, testified Matthews had lacerations to his chest and his lung was punctured, but she couldn't determine how it happened and he was uncooperative with her and other medical personnel.

Matthews, 29, of Cedar Rapids, is on trial this week for attempted murder, willful injury, assault with intent to commit sexual abuse and assault while displaying a dangerous weapon (domestic abuse). He is accused of repeatedly stabbing his ex-girlfriend in the neck and head Jan. 5, according to a criminal complaint.

The woman testified Tuesday that Matthews had physically abused over their six year relationship and on Jan. 5, he attempted to sexually assault her and when she refused he stabbed her multiple times.

The prosecution rested and the defense will begin its case 9 a.m. in Linn County District Court.

Dr. Karri Nowell, surgeon with PCI, said the woman was 'distraught and tearful” when she was brought into the hospital. She had three lacerations at the base of the skull and two smaller lacerations on her neck and shoulder area.

Initially, the injuries were considered life-threatening because the neck or head wounds could have impacted her spinal cord, depending on the depth of the wounds, Nowell said. A neurosurgeon was called in but any muscle and nerve issues were ruled out. They also evaluated the mandible or jawbone but it wasn't affected.

Nowell said the woman's toxicology and alcohol level came back negative.

Nowell also treated Matthews. He had four lacerations to his chest and a laceration over his knee that required staples. He wouldn't consent and his toxicology screen hadn't come back, so Nowell put a chest tube in but she just 'numbed” him. She didn't feel comfortable giving him something stronger without knowing what was in his system.

Jeremy Elges, Matthews attorney, on cross examination asked Nowell if she could tell what made the wounds.

Nowell said no.

Cedar Rapids Police Det. George Aboud testified that Matthews told his aunt while in the hospital that he 'should kill himself.” Matthews was read his Miranda rights but he refused to talk to police.

Other Cedar Rapids police officers also testified about responding to the scene that day.

Officer Nathan Trimble said when he arrived the woman was 'covered in blood” as she sat in the hallway.

Trimble said officers entered the apartment to look for the suspect. They found the bathroom door locked, so Trimble kicked in the door and found Matthews sitting on the floor against the wall. He was bleeding from his chest area.

Trimble was unresponsive. He had a 'blank” look on his face. He didn't say anything to the officer.

'She (the woman) had a significant injury to the back of her neck,” Trimble said.

Trimble said the woman was in 'a lot of pain and she was 'scared.” He didn't question her because it was more important for her to get medical treatment at that time.

Officer Adrienne Phelps said the woman only had panties on and she was 'hysterical.”

'There was a large amount of blood everywhere,” Phelps said. 'She said (Matthews) attempted to rape her and then she asked about her children.”

Phelps identified a knife with blood on the blade found in the kitchen. She said no other weapons were found in the apartment.