Zachery Matthews
Thursday, he grieved her death; Sunday, he was jailed:
21-year-old Zachery Otis Matthews was arrested in the death of his girlfriend and mother of his child, 19-year-old Kristine Larson.
On Thursday, Zachery Otis Matthews fell to the floor of Kristine Larson’s family home, not once but several times, overcome with emotion. Larson’s body had been identified that morning as that of the young woman found strangled in a burning car in Minneapolis.
It was all that Matthews, the father of Larson’s 2-year-old son, could do to contain himself. Her parents and siblings rallied around the 21-year-old St. Paul man with tears and hugs, and shared his grief.
On Sunday, St. Paul Park police stopped by the Larson residence to take Matthews in for questioning.
Within hours, police were back on the phone to the slain woman’s mother. They now had a confession, according to the family. Matthews, police told the family, was Larson’s killer.
No motive given at this time.
Tags: Kristine-Larson, minneapolis, murder, Zachery-MatthewsRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Killers
39 opinions for Zachery Matthews
bob knob
Jan 13, 2008 at 12:35 am
1st post
who carez
Holly Bruber
Mar 7, 2008 at 4:35 pm
I knew Kristine growing up and it is a real tragedy she died, especially in the manner it happened. She will be missed.
Emily
May 15, 2008 at 9:51 pm
I seen the episode of Kristine’s murder on The First 48. Her son and family are in my prayers!!
Darryn
May 15, 2008 at 10:13 pm
That was a real tragedy and a shame at what happened to her. I just seen it on The First 48 and can’t believe how that idiot could even sit there and lie at how he found her in the closet. I hope he gets the death penalty because he surely deserves it f–king physco!!!!!!!!
princess
May 16, 2008 at 1:10 am
i just want to say this is my first actually following up on 48 hours i cant believe it is all so real. but i also thought it was messed up as to what happen to her she didn’t deserve it.
princess
May 16, 2008 at 1:12 am
oh and as for the smart as# bob knob go to he$$ and get a Life you prick
mrs. chandler
May 16, 2008 at 2:20 am
I am truly sorry to hear about this and hope that justice is served for all involved
Jason
May 16, 2008 at 3:31 am
I was really saddened after seeing this on First 48. My prayers go out to her family and her son
SPPG
May 16, 2008 at 2:47 pm
It sure is sad what happened, and our hearts break for the family, but when will they stop asking for money!!!!!!!!!!!
Secret
May 17, 2008 at 2:31 am
This is his myspace, he longed on a few days ago…
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=80696703
Michael
May 23, 2008 at 1:28 am
I am a big fan of “The First 48″ and have watched it since it first aired. What a powerful episode. I feel so sorry for that little boy. What a little angel and to think the dad took his mom and dad away from him. Kids shouldn’t have kids. We always hear about the black fathers having kids and leaving the girl, but in this case he stayed. Either way it never works until you are in a committed relationship and understand the child comes first. Zachery you forever hurt your child and that can never be repaired.
Yvette
Jun 12, 2008 at 10:19 pm
I feel so bad for the family of the victim. My prayers are with your family and her precious little boy. Just love him unconditionally like his mother would and remind him that she is always with him with every move he makes. As far as Zacharey I hope that he sees her face everytime he closese his eyes and realizes what a gift he stole from his little boy. And he will be reminded about the joy he maliciously stole from his son what a coward…to do this to he didnt deserve that and he deserves so much better than you.
PEDRO
Jun 13, 2008 at 1:08 am
ANY FOLLLOW UP ON THE TRIAL?
found on myspace
Jun 13, 2008 at 1:28 am
A lot of you have asked how the trial that was supposed to start May 19 is going. It’s not. The case was continued once again, because Z was reassigned another lawyer. The new trial is currently scheduled for October 13, 2008. He has until two weeks before jury selection to accept a plea deal. The current deal is for him to plead guilty to the second indictment, First Degree Murder as a result of abuse with a history of domestic violence. If he pleads guilty to this, there will not be a criminal trial. He will be sentenced to life in prison and will be up for parole in 30 years. If he doesn’t plead, we will go to criminal trial, and the determination of guilt will be in the jurors hands. If it goes to criminal trial, and he’s found guilty of First Degree Premeditated Murder, he will be sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole.
I also wanted to mention that the profile song was done by Derrik, whom Kristine was starting to date. If you click on his profile ($Bags), you can find out how to download the song. I think it’s a great way for him to honor her, and she would think it was awesome.
Shame on you!
Jun 17, 2008 at 8:20 pm
Whoever keeps posting all over the place about the family begging for money–why don’t you tell us who you are?!? It must be really easy to hide behind a computer and condemn a family that has been through such a tragedy. The type of tragedy which, god willing, you’ll never have to endure. If you can’t handle the “asking for money,” ignore it. No one is putting a gun to your head forcing you to give. Get a life.
Michael
Jun 19, 2008 at 1:48 pm
About the “asking for money”. I didn’t know that they were asking for money all over the place, but it did seem odd at the end of the show when the father ask for money. It just felt a little odd, so if they are doing that in multiple places, I think the court needs to assign a 3rd to watch over the funds and release them when needed.
What the ??
Jul 17, 2008 at 9:32 am
@shame on you. You’re obviously a member of the family…
I like what Michael said: Kids shouldn’t have kids. Especially with punks like Zachery…
I feel bad for the victim and her family, but again, I am trying to figure out why they are asking for money. I too thought it was damn strange when the step father gave the police a flyer asking for money to help raise the kid.
Again. KIDS SHOULDN’T BE HAVING KIDS.
What the ??
Jul 17, 2008 at 9:33 am
Is Zachery out on bail? If not, how is he logging into his myspace? OR, is someone else signing in?
Questions Answered
Jul 17, 2008 at 10:04 am
I can’t believe people are still commenting on all of this. The stepdad wasn’t GIVING the police the flyer…he was showing them what they’d come up with, because the family was told that communities rally around people in times like this and they might want to consider setting up a memorial fund. If a fund isn’t setup, the police get calls on how to reach the family, how to help them, etc.
Maybe “kids shouldn’t have kids. Especially with punks like Zachery.” It must be nice, in your naive little world, to think that it’s possible to STOP “kids from having kids.” I’d like to know what any of you, if this were your daughter or family, would’ve done to stop it? There’s no way to watch a 17 year-old girl 24/7. Zachery was/is a sociopath…he was sweet as pie and the nicest guy you could ever meet when he and Kris first started dating and when she got pregnant. It wasn’t until they moved out alone with their child into their own apartment that the true him really started to come out. I really don’t see what the fact that they had a kid together has to do with anything.
Zach is not out on bail. We’re not sure why or how his myspace page is being logged into. It could be that he’s logging on in jail…ridiculously, they do have internet access. Or, it could be that he has someone else logging in for him.
Michael
Jul 17, 2008 at 12:54 pm
It is possible to stop kids from having kids! It’s called raising your children and it starts from day one and it never stops. It’s actually not that hard. It’s a fulltime job, yes, but it’s the most important job a parent will ever do.
Questions Answered
Jul 17, 2008 at 3:13 pm
Do you even have kids, Michael???? The fact that you say “it’s actually not that hard” leads me to believe that you do not, because even the most perfect parent of the year has tough moments raising their kids and most parents will tell you it’s one of the toughest things they’ve ever done.
You can do the BEST job raising them every day–from the moment they’re born on, but you CAN’T be there with them every second of every day and you CAN’T make their decisions for them. It must be nice to be able to sit there and judge the parenting abilities of others because you are such an expert…if only we could let the world’s children be raised by you…
You didn’t answer my question…What would you have done differently or better???? Also, how does the fact that “a kid had a kid” have anything to do with this?!?! Even if they hadn’t have had a child together, he still could’ve (and probably would’ve) done this.
Also, reading back to one of your first comments…don’t give Zach too much credit for being an anomoly in your mind–a black father that actually stayed. He did not stay. She left him because she finally got sick of him cheating and watching his life spiral out of control. He didn’t see his son for quite awhile. Then, he convinced her that he was changing and wanted a relationship with their son. She believed that, even though Zach was not the best role model, he was their son’s father and their son deserved to have a relationship with him…at least until he was old enough to decide that he didn’t want a relationship with his dad. So, for a dumb kid raising a kid, she was making some adult decisions and doing what was best for her son.
Michael
Jul 21, 2008 at 4:28 pm
My comments were in response to the statement, “Maybe kids shouldn’t have kids” and “It must be nice, in your naive little world, to think that it’s possible to STOP “kids from having kids.” Not about this particular case and rather that had any impact.
Not that it matters, but I have 2 kids.
1 student in my high school got pregnant and had a baby. 1 out of 950 girls. (1700 kids total) I’m talking about the entire time, not just 12th grade. So, my little world isn’t naive, but a world where parents stay active in their kid’s lives and teach them how to have an enjoyable life. It’s a place where girls and boys have plans for the future, such as college, career and getting pregnant is far down the road, when they are mentally and financially mature enough to handle it.
Love
Jul 27, 2008 at 4:28 am
Hey. What is going on with the trial. of zachery
Update
Jul 27, 2008 at 11:16 am
The trial has once again been delayed. Currently scheduled for middle of October.
PROUD MOTHER
Aug 1, 2008 at 1:15 am
Michael you are an arrogant statistic quoting b@$tard. This family IS a very nuclear family and many FAMILY oriented traditions will forever be tainted by this social misfit called Zachery. Kristine was recently enrolled in nursing school and also had just began to realize that no matter what, MISTAKES can be a LEARNING experience and she was making her way in LIFE the best she could. Hopefully you and your kids make MISTAKES and can endure a few LEARNING experiences. Hopefully the learning doesn’t include one of YOUR PRECIOUS PERFECTLY RAISED BABIES BEING TRAGICALLY,UNEXPECTEDLY MURDERED!
As for the ignorant people talking about the family asking for money what the hell? Do you honestly think Darion can buy his own diapers, food, medicines and ect? Clearly YOU TOO ARE IGNORANT. The family receives no means of extra support and Darion is FOREVER WITHOUT HIS PARENTS to nurture him and give him a couple of bucks here and there. His grandma and grandfathers are proud of who Darion is and will be, and they have endured a most life altering event. These people didn’t PLAN on having a baby at this stage in life and yet they have unconditionally accepted to LOVE and CARE for this LITTLE ORPHAN! You also (shame on you)need to realize YOU will be JUDGED come YOUR final DAYS! MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS AND BE A BIT MORE KIND HEARTED TO THEM AT WORK CUZ YOU ARE THEIR CO WORKER .
SPPG
Aug 1, 2008 at 9:43 am
Wow… I do not know what to say about PROUD MOTHER. I would just like to say that the child cannot provide for himself, but the state grants TONS of support for people who are taking custody of a child. I googled Minnesota foster care support, and there is a ton a funds that are available. Also, if the grandparents can’t afford to support the child, they should either work more, or find someone who can support the child. Don’t let the child grow up thinking he is a burden he has had a hard life already. If the grandparents need to ask for money to raise this child, then maybe it is time to find someone in the family who can support the child before the state steps in and takes the child away from the family! Also proud mother, the judgment you speak of goes both ways. Just remember that….
SPP Supporter
Aug 1, 2008 at 10:02 am
I’m going to have to agree with SPPG here. It would be absolutely awful if the child grew up thinking he was a burden, based on how often it is stated that the granparents have taken on “this burden.” I know for a fact that there are others in the family that are willing, and financially able, to take the child. If the child were to ever get removed from the family, that would be absolutely tragic for him–he HAS had a hard enough life already. It seems like that would probably tear this family apart and divide them forever.
SPPG Fan
Aug 1, 2008 at 5:06 pm
I have to agree. Most people would get a second job, cut the cable, internet, cell phone, in order to NOT ask for money. Maybe the family already did that, but who knows. Still the state provides plenty of resources for foster parents, but they (fostor care) need to evaluate the situation. Being that it is family there should be no problem. I just hope that little boy never ever thinks he is a burdon. I know my mom made me feel that way, and it is horriable!
PROUD MOTHER
Aug 3, 2008 at 5:32 pm
WOW Yup A second job leaving the child in Daycare longer than he is NOW? As for your google search WHATEVER unless you’ve really lived this type of thing DON’T comment. The family gets NO daycare breaks due to thier income level . NO Social Security and very minimal MFIB grant monies. As for the foster parent idea RIGHT! Have the boy grow up with the impression that money meant more than BLOOD.This boy is NOT a HARDSHIP to the family but face the facts with a 17 year old son having invasive open heart surgery and now facing cancer treatments at MAYO a MURDERED MOM and daughter ,the underinsured death benefit of Kristines maternal grandmother, and minor surgery for grandpa what do you think you’d would physically or psycholocically do? Every one of these set backs have resulted in the grandparents exhausting all paid time off and I’m sure YOU PEOPLE COULD JUST SUCK IT UP AND WORK or go on as if NOTHING EVER HAPPENED!What is WRONG with you people? Do you think this family is BEGGING? The only thing they BEG for is thier ONCE normal lives back. Put yourselves in thier shoes. The can drive was the last effort in “THEM ASKING FOR MONEY”.A can drive that was planned willingly by thier FRIENDS. Hide behind your computer you insensitive jerks, smile at how you’ve undermined the humanity of GOOD people. Live with YOUR wretched selves and yes WE WILL ALL BE JUDGED SOME HARSHER THAN OTHERS!
PROUD MOTHER
Aug 3, 2008 at 5:35 pm
BTW? WHERE AND WHEN WAS IT EVER STATED THAT THE BOY WAS A BURDEN? THE situation IS A burden. TSK TSK such shallow thinking on YOUR part.
SPPG
Aug 6, 2008 at 1:29 pm
No one ever said that the child was a burden, but it was stated that the child should not think he is a burden. Please read comments fully before tisking…
If you would like to get nit-picky PROUD MOM, whom I can only assume is the Grandma. In a previous post you stated that you get no help financially, while in your last post you said you did. It is none of our business, but please be aware that there is funding available. Applying for foster care should not be an issue. I do not think the child will EVER think it was for money, but to ensure that they child stays with the family and is safe. Oh and how do I know about all the funding and such; I am a social worker.
I have not degraded your name or your family’s name, but just brought up some valid point, and it seems like others have as well. The resources are there for you to use, and most importantly to help the child. USE THEM, and stop being a martyr!
PROUD MOTHER
Aug 6, 2008 at 11:55 pm
Yup I stand on YOUR judgement of things. You are correct we do not want the child to THINK he’s a burden.As for your comment on foster parenting and the martyr well jesus fosters many and who better to know about being a martyr. If this is to deep for you pick up the bible and don’t just read but feel … what life must be like for those of us that are dumbstruck over such insurmountable odds. You may be a “SOCIAL WORKER” but how socially acceptable is your advice on TONS of funds. The minimal grant monies I stated we get were just granted to DARION .Do you suggest I use gov’t funds rather than recieve willfully given donations that do NOT cost the taxpayers a dime?Speaking of donations as was stated earlier no one is forcing YOU to give so maybe you’d be best off just finding someone else to SOCIALLY advise? I am currently working with Deb Schkick from the Affirmative Options Coalition. I won’t be responding to anymore of YOUR “SOCIAL ADVICE” I don’t feel as though you are a very compassionate person and you may want to think about the other side of the fence and how the grass there is filled with weeds like YOU. If you are sincerely TRYING to help you sure have a COLD way of doing so.
PROUD MOTHER
Aug 6, 2008 at 11:59 pm
BTW is this mother that made you feel like a burden still alive? If so you may want to get thru YOUR demons with her before commenting on others being martyrs. You do realize DEATH is FINAL. Your mom had her reasons I’m sure AMANDA?!?????????
gems
Aug 12, 2008 at 2:31 pm
how is this nigga loggin into myspace??!! is he out on bail? this episode really touched my heart because it can happen to any of us young women who thing that our xboyfriends r just crazy and they wont really do anything..take threats seriously especially those comming from a man that “loves” you and you know has a history of violence…. ANGER CAN MAKE SOMEONE BLACK OUT AND LOOSE CONTROL OF THEIR ACTIONS!!! so young girls stop bein naive and open your eyes because you dont want to end up on first 48!!!!!
gems
Aug 12, 2008 at 2:36 pm
and something else leave her mother alone!!! she is already suffering enough havin to raise her gradbaby that looks just like her deceased daughter!!!!!!!!!! and thinkin about how she is going to explain this to him when the time comes, how do u tell ur grandson that his mommy is dead and that his daddy killed her!! wtf is wrong with u people??! if she wants to ask for money let her, shit u dont want to give then dont, if it aint your money then why the hell r u so worried about it??? IT IS HARD TO RAISE KIDS!!!!!! let them do what they do, they already have a lot on their plate…the money is given willfully no one is forced, if they ppl givin up the money arent on here complainin then why r u??
Maybe
Aug 13, 2008 at 2:16 am
First of all, I would like to express my heartfelt sympathy with Kristine’s family and friends.
I met Zach about a year ago, and I considered him to be my friend. He expressed that he and Kristine weren’t right for eachother as a couple, but they tried to be as friendly as they could for the sake of their son, and he absolutely beamed whenever he spoke about Darion. I never heard him speak an ill word against Kristine.
The last time I saw Zach it was sometime around Halloween. He told me about his son’s 2nd birthday party and how he had a new job helping homeless youth.
I am no way advocating what he did, or saying that he is innocent, I know he is not. I just found out today what happened and I am in absolute shock that someone who I thought was so kind and caring, intelligent and funny could do something like this to the woman that he claimed he loved.
To PROUD MOTHER, maybe people just don’t understand how we do things up here ‘Minnesota Nice’. On just about every sad news story you will see, murder, a car accident, anything, the news anchor and news website will post information about bank accounts set up to help the families. We help each other out here, and some people only know how to do that monetarily. Also, setting up these accounts and hotlines keep people from calling the police, so they can focus on their jobs, but this was stated earlier.
I’m sure no one feels more betrayed than you by this, but I am absolutely in shock that this happened. I never imagined I would come across a person that could commit such a crime, let alone consider them to be my friend, and it sends a chill up my spine.
My heart goes out to all of you and you are in my prayers.
Maybe
Aug 13, 2008 at 2:20 am
I just want to add that this is not the place to criticize anyone’s parenting skills. Guilt is something that spreads and touches people that it shouldn’t, and I’m sure the family is constantly thinking what if I had gone with to pick up Darion, what if, what if, what if. This is no place to be judgmental, this family has gone through enough.
MW
Aug 13, 2008 at 1:50 pm
I just wanted to say I am very sorry for this tragedy.I went to school with Kristine at ALC i didnt know her very well but i knew of her n that she was a very kind and loving person..my heart goes out to your family and that little precious boy Darion. I watched the first 48 n i couldnt believe what had happened..I am 19 with a 7 month old son n i could never imagine this happening to me. I am again very sorry for your loss..god is with you all.
PROUD MOTHER
Oct 2, 2008 at 8:12 am
Just a few comments :
Gem you are right young girls do need to be careful . I implore all who may suspect domestic abuse to tell someone and keep telling someone until tha battered person or persons get help. As to how the logging in goes I’m am as OUTRAGED as you are. Thank you for your concern our family is greatful for the KIND people like you and MAYBE on this earth.
MAYBE, you are so right on several points, Minnesota nice, criticizing parenting skills and the betrayal we’ve gotten are all part of this PLAGUE we call DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. The Z you knew was like that around us too, but eventually we saw thru the facade.Thank you for being caring enough to post here. Love , Mother of an ANGEL named KRISTINE
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: