Mathieu had previously reported the threats to her local police department, but they never took her seriously. They told her that at that moment, there was nothing they could do and there wasn’t enough evidence for them to act. Part of the job description of the police is to protect the rights of the citizens and uphold the law. They are supposed to catch law breakers before they commit any crime. However, in this case the police clearly failed to act in time. Mathieu had the right to be protected from her deranged boyfriend, but instead, even after 140 direct threats, her plea for protection fell on deaf ears.She was shot at approximately .
She was shot at approximately 3:40 p.m. at her place of employment.
The ex-boyfriend was reported to have been holding a semi-automatic gun when he entered Mathieu’s workplace. He shot her once in the head, then shot himself, but he survived.
Her cousin, Morris Williams, said that Mathieu had ended the relationship four months ago. She reported that Mathieu was afraid due to the constant harassment she received over the phone.
“She was afraid. Right now, this is a very sad day for my family, and she’s going to be truly missed by so many people,” Williams said. Williams further added that the police would not even reveal the name of the suspect who they caught. The police only said that he was in the hospital.
Mathieu’s death will be felt heavily by the family, particularly by her daughter, who was being raised solely by Mathieu. Though the constitution says that the duty of the police is to protect citizens, the Supreme Court ruled that protecting people is not their job. They said that the police’s only duty is to investigate crimes and arrest criminals.
(Story originally reported by Stephen Kanyi)