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twitterBrothers arrested in death of high school teacher
Police say one suspect was a student of the teacher
Published Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2008 | 12:27 p.m.
Updated Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2008 | 4:15 p.m.
Jose A. Delatorre
Two brothers have been arrested in connection with the murder, burglary and robbery of a Basic High School teacher found dead in his home Monday afternoon.
The Clark County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Matthew Thomas Cox, 32, of Henderson.
Cox was the choir teacher at Basic High School, and one of the two people charged was a choir student.
“The victim knew the two suspects,” Henderson Police spokesman Keith Paul said.
Cox had last been seen Sunday night, when he had dinner with a friend. His body was discovered in his home Monday afternoon by another friend who had arrived to take care of Cox’s pets. She told police that Cox was supposed to be in Michigan for Christmas.
Henderson Police arrested the two suspects, Jose A. Delatorre, 18, and a 17-year-old whom his co-workers at Dunkin’ Donuts identified as Delatorre’s brother. Delatorre was booked into the Henderson jail and the 17-year-old was booked into the Clark County Juvenile Detention Center.
Basic High band director Mark McArthur, who has worked closely with Cox in the three years since Cox arrived at Basic, remembered Cox as “a fantastic choir director.”
“He took over a really good program at Basic and has just done a great job,” McArthur said. “As a teacher, he was incredibly dedicated to his students and to enhancing the program.”
McArthur said Cox arranged a trip to New York for the choir and just completed a busy slate of holiday performances. He said that in addition to his duties as choir director, Cox took on a number of side projects to help students interested in other areas of singing.
“He was a well-respected member of our faculty and he will be missed,” McArthur said. “The biggest thing now is to take care of the kids and make sure that the choir program keeps going and all the great work that (Cox) has done keeps going.”
Jeremy Twitchell can be reached at 990-8928 or jeremy.twitchell@hbcpub.com.
Discussion: 195 comments so far…
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This is what scares me about teaching in Las Vegas. I am a middle school teacher and just recently a student wrote a very graphic paper about how she was going to stab me in the head with a dull pencil and then with a sharp pencil. Then she was going to watch me fall to the ground and bleed to death. She wrote that all the students would be laughing as I bleed to death on the floor. She also wrote that I was a fat b*tch and that was the end of Ms.****** This horrible student has mental problems and will be returning to school after a brief suspension. She would have been sent to another school, except her Grandmother threw such a tantrum that the school let her stay. I am afraid to return to work after the break. Why is one crazy student more important than my safety? I am outraged at the way teachers are not protected by the very students they spend everyday helping to get ahead in this life. I wish I would have chosen a field where I was valued as an employee.
starrynite7 sorry! I would quit! It's not worth your life. What happens if you threaten that student I mean the first thing I would do when she came back is tell her Im watching her and Im gonna get her first. That might make her grow up or at least act out and get sent home again. It's hard to understand why they would let her back in school. Why cant you just refuse to allow her into your class room? Im with you she should be sent to another school and watched carefully but if not then would quit.
now when his coworkers said it was his brother. is that literal or figuratively. by that i mean is it his actual brother or someone just like a brother.
oh. and as for some f the other posts i just want to add a note. its not about the ethnicity. as far as anyone knows they were born and raised here in Henderson. the thing is that our own society, no one else, is deteriorating at a rapid pace. its nobodies fault, but our own. we decided to pay for things other than what was needed. if the parents didn't spoil the children, didn't think they were angels, and actually put some discipline into their child. we would be much better than this. as far as you continuing to work at a middle school, I'm only gonna say this. the only reason you shouldn't is because of the pay.
I'm a student at Basic High School and this is a complete shock to me. When I first heard about Mr. Cox's passing this is not the story that I heard, so this makes it even worse than it is. I can't believe some people in our world, especiall around this time of year. I know everyone at our school will miss Mr. Cox greatly, and we have a memorial outside the front of our school. Rest In Peace Mr. Cox. and God Bless his family.
Alex, i too am a student at basic, and I completely agree with you. Rest in peace Mr. Cox. Your life was taken before it was done.
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Bishop666 your racism is not needed. Some of my good friends are Mexicans. So please, this is a public forum about a man who has died. Don't disrespect that with trivial things such as race.
i am also a student at basic high school, and i knew Mr.Cox well, not as much as many of the choir students, but i still considered him a great teacher and friend. There is no reason such a thing as this should of happened to him, he had an amazing heart, and was definitely one of the best men i have ever met. Our entire school misses him greatly, but i would appreciate if you left your racism about the murderers out of this. Yes, they are mexican, but so are many students in our school. Not every last one of them did this, many of them didnt even have a clue who he was. So why blame an entire race for this one event dealing with only two people? it is completely ridiculous the way you guys are reacting to this, when you didnt even know anyone involved. No, the student who did this was NOT an illegal immigrant. So you guys can stop your stupid comments about that, how about you find out real information before you start having a racial discussion over my teachers death. There is much more to worry about in this case. Our entire school is going to miss him more than you will believe...so please, find somewhere else to spread your stupid beliefs
Did the article mention the two are Mexican? It seems ethnicity assumptions are being ignorantly made based on a last name. Racist comments overlook the fact that a man was killed by two other young men. Crimes are committed daily here in Vegas by every ethnicity. We should worry more about how to keep everyone safe in Las Vegas and how to improve our impoverished education system so that people can learn to expand their knowledge, gain anger management skills, be accepting of other people, races and genders. Racism is just a blatant form of ignorance.
thank you kanela09, my point exactly. People use racism as an excuse to blame anyone they can to try and keep themselves safe somehow. People commit crimes everyday, and not EVERY one of them are mexican. So like i said, spread your racism somewhere else.
I agree that we shouldnt trash a whole race based on this terrible crime. Their race is not what is important, its the fact that two people decided to committe a murder, murderers should be put in an awful category, not certain races. So please don't turn my teacher's murder into a racist battle. I am just grateful that they found these two terrible people and Mr. Cox's murder doesnt have to be left unsolved, and his family in even more heart ache. I hate how the best people get the worse things done to them, I know he will be in our prayers and he is with God now resting in peace.
It absolutely DISGUSTS me that you people have the nerve to post comments on here talking about "no good Mexican parasites." A man that was nothing but kind-hearted and caring for people is gone. It doesn't matter what race the person that committed the crime was. That isn't going to change the fact that he is gone, or that everyone who knew him is going to be mourning his death. You are ignorant and your statements are completely unnecessary and irrelevant to the case at hand. So I, and I'm sure others, would appreciate it if you shut your mouth unless you have something of importance to say.
R.I.P. Mr. Cox, you will be missed.
Mr. Cox was a good teacher. Being racist isn't going to bring him back, and for everyone who knew him, he left a lasting impression. He wouldn't even like the things you guys said. Please show some respect and honor him, not dishonor everyone else. I learned from Mr. Cox when he still lived in Michigan.
RIP Mr. Cox, You will never be forgotten.
I go to BHS. When I heard about this I was in udder shock. What did Mr.Cox ever do that was so bad that he couldnt deserve to live? I have never even seen this guy do as much as hurt a fly. He was a fabulous teacher, I was in his class. All I can say is that I hope the guys who did this are happy with themselves and I hope they get the death sentence. R.I.P Mr.Cox<3
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I once was a student at Hopkins High School in Michigan and Mr.Cox was our choir teacher there before he moved to Las Vegas for the teaching job that he was offered. I remember when he told us that he was leaving. All the choir students were huddled around him and he broke the news. Some of us cried and we all were devastated. I remember the way it felt when I realized that he was going to leave us. It killed, but now he is gone forever. That hurts worse. I know that all the students here at Hopkins wish that he will rest in peace. Most of us stopped attending choir class after he left because our passion for it was lost due to losing Mr.Cox. Now I hope, for Mr.Cox' memory, that the passion can restored, spread, and continued on in the hearts of all of us.
I know that Mr.Cox would not want us to point fingers of this tragedy on a single race. Satan lives in all of us and for one person to open up and say that it is a single races fault, is ignorant to the truth of our society. Here in Michigan along with any other state is slowly degrading due to the blame that people put on eachother. This crime was not committed because of the color of someones skin or because of where they were born, it was because of hate, and misjudgment, and bishop666, hate and misjudgment is all that you are spreading here. Mr.Cox was my choir teacher for three years and I know him well enough to know, that he would love a Mexican just as much as he would love a Caucasian.
He knows that this was not because of race but because of the ignorance of two young men. And if you continue to speak the way you do, a crime could be committed due to your unfair teachings, (I am talking to you bishop666)
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I was a student mr.cox had this year in choir. and he was just by far the most amazing teacher at basic. He always had taught his choir classes to always be courage when singing and to sing with confidence. Everyone At Basic High School Will miss mr.cox dearly. For those who did this i hope that you die for killing the greatest man ever alive.
My condolences to Mr. Cox's family and friends.
Society needs to know that more crimes are committed by students against teachers than any other group. When these two young men face a jury of their peers and then are incarcerated for the rest of their lives, they will understand what they have done can not be undone.
I am waiting for a school board member to come to the defense of these two murderers.
As a teacher I was threatened by students in my class. The police came to interview me, and they said I was to blame for their threats against me. I soon transferred to a school where I was completely safe and sound from teenage hoodlums that seem to be found at every school in CCSD.
My sincere condolences to the Cox family.
Merry Christmas Mr.Cox and to his family also, he should be with you guys in Michigan.<3
I too was recently involved in a home invasion and robbery in my own home. The crime involved a few teenagers 16-18 years old. I was lucky to come out of the home invasion unharmed other than a few bruises and a black eye. It just makes me sick that these kids are willing to commit crimes like the one mentioned above. Why? They have so much to look forward too and so much ahead of them. So, why would these teenagers ruin their lives. Are a few bucks and some computers worth a potential life sentence? R.I.P Matthew Thomas Cox
"So what should we call these guys?"
People.
"So what should we call these guys?"
Stupid
ENOUGH!!!! A great friend, a talented musician, an important teacher, a loving son, a forgiving brother has been shortened of his zest for life. Yes, it's tragic that students did this and yes, we could all go on and say whatever it is you want to say. A man, that I had the privelage to know and be friends with in college is gone. His spirit has been taken from us all. It is Christmas people...warm up your hearts...the two men will me judged my men and God. But for today...PLEASE...remember Matt! Remember all the good times and memories that you had in his presence. Remember that his family, his students, and his friends all lost something this holiday season and it can never be replaced.
Stop talking about these two men...they are not worth the words. But DO talk about Matt! He was a wonderful man with a talent of music and singing and the art to teach that talent!
All races are mentioned in articles about cold-blooded killers. White, black etc..Why do we have to be so sensitive to Hispanic people? The fact is that two HISPANIC brothers killed a teacher in cold blood, in his home for not apparent reason. Those are the facts in this horrific case. No one is blaming a whole race of people. Each culture values different values. Obviously these boys were not taught to value teachers. I feel so bad for the families and students of this teacher. It sounds like he was a good man. We can call these brothers, cold blooded killers that need to be put to death. Period. Prison is too good for them.
The lack of discipline and strick control in our local schools are a great contributor to this tragedy. Lack of discipline in schools, classrooms is the result of a leniency, cowardly policy of our school administrators, the trustees who fear parents, their attorneys and the kdis themselves.
Nothing will change for the better in education until there is absolute discipline enforced in our schools...absolutely nothing! The federal government had better get a handle on this real quick because we are breeding home-grown terrorists in our very schools... Discipline is everything...without it nothing will change...
Federal laws, state laws, and local district policies need to be strenthened so that education is really "a privelege" and not an alleged right in the U.S. consitution.... Attorneys isn their rush to greed have helped destroy our educational system...it is time to reign in the money seeking attorneys willing to sue schools, adminsitrtors, and teachers and the toss of a coin....enough is enough
The great flaw of public education in the USA is that they can not teach religion or philosphy to a degree required for the students to embrace a religion or philosphy because it is against the Constitution.
Each generation from public schools seems to more and more lacking an appreciation of what is right vs. wrong on a basic level. They are like blank sheets of paper that get filled by peer pressure, movies, TV and music which are not great sources of morality.
I would not recommend anybody to send their child to public schools. I would rather eat soup each day and drive an old car than send a child to public school.
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Mr. Cox used to be our teacher here at Hopkins High School and we were all surprised when he decided to leave our small town for the big city but we accepted it and wished him luck. We are very saddened that such a wonderful person, who was compassionate, kind and very very entertaining is gone, a life cut way to short. That's the thing about our society, to many cold, unfeeling people who only care about themselves walk this earth. They wont feel any remorse, remorse is for people who actually know right from wrong and have compassion and feelings for life. They will sit in prison and brag about how they cut short the life of a man that would of gave them his last dollar or the shirt off his back. Shame on the men that took such a good human being from us.....
Assuming they're of Hispanic descent or describing them by their ethnicity is NOT RACIST. Stereotyping a race and assuming they are responsible for all murders and crimes committed IS RACISM.
Jose Delatorre-don't bend over in the shower for the next 60 years. Enjoy spending the rest of your life in the slammer.
I am AMAZED at the ignorance of many of the people who are posting things on this site. Why blame parents for not parenting when we can blame the education system, right? The discipline of schools is not to blame...it IS that of the parents and society as a whole. Educators have their hands tied. We can't even hug a child who is hurt for fear that it may be used against us. DO NOT blame educators for the lack of caring and discipline that ALL parents must instill in their offspring. We are educators and while we do teach subjects of math, science, and social studies...we can only teach so much about discipline if it is not enforced at the home level. Before you start making statements about not sending your child to public schools...get all of your facts straight...and until you have spent one day as a teacher in a low income school...DO NOT pass judgement!
I was extremely close to Mr. Cox. I saw him more than three times a day, usually, for some sort of choir class. The 17 year old suspect was in Mr. Cox's early bird class with me. I'd know him for two years and he was also one of Mr. Cox's favorites. Mr. Cox had done nothing but help the 17 year old with all his heart. He would always talk to him about family problems or anything he needed. He was the boy's mentor, counselor, and leader. None of us know why our fellow student did such a thing. All we know is that in no way, whatsoever, had Mr. Cox brought this horrible tragedy upon himself. It is unreal and profoundly twisted. His death was untimely and he will be missed dearly. You never fully appreciate someone until they're gone, but i had no clue i could appreciate Mr. Cox more than i already did. As his last choir he ever taught, we will work in his honor to accomplish amazing things musically and in the community as he always did. I would encourage any readers to come to our choir concerts at Basic High School and help us celebrate Mr. Cox's life through music. I know i speak for the entire chamber choir when i say we love you Mr. Cox and we will never forget what you did for us. You will live in our hearts forever. There is a memorial at Basic if anyone wishes to pay their respects.
RIPMTC<3
Don't speak of things you know nothing about. As someone that was very close to him and know's the truth, let me point out the only thing that matters. A wonderful man, teacher, and friend is dead for a sensless reason. Don't focus on the people that did this, focus on the fact that this holiday season Matt's friends and family are dealing with a tragedy beyond comphrehension. We never think it can hit this close to home. He is so loved and so missed, and forever there will be an aching empty hole in my heart.
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bshoe24,
your comments were deleted because they were very inappropriate to the topic at hand. Keep them to yourself and to your little website.
Thanks.
RIPMTC<3
Fallon South,
I'm sorry to say I completely disagree with your logic. Just because the 17 year-old knew Mr. Cox doesn't mean that he knew where Mr. Cox lived or was even able to get into his house. And compassion should be shown to anyone and everyone. Mr. Cox is receiving blessings beyond imagination for the wonderful things he did for this boy.
RIPMTC<3
Fallon South,
Merry Christmas.
RIPMTC<3
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bshoe - What you need to understand is the fact that you are only deflecting a hateful act by two misguided and destructive kids and turning it into hatred towards an entire group of people. This type of garbage needs to stop. I was Jose's teacher before and he was quiet and very reserved when he attended. It could have been me when you really think about it. Nothing would have told me that this kid was even capable of doing this. His life has taken a horrible path and I completely sympathize with the Cox family and nothing else. Please don't spew hate right now. Especially if it is short-sighted and targeted only based on race. This does nothing to help the situation. It only makes it worse. This time of sadness needs to be handled with compassion toward all families involved. A lot of people were affected for the rest of their lives and they need all of our prayers right now. You will be missed Matt. God bless your efforts to better kids lives.
I am a former student of Mr. Cox, when he taught at Hopkins High School in Michigan. I can still remember sitting in class when he broke the news- we were all pretty heartbroken about the fact that he was moving on to teach in Vegas, but... we took it with a grain of salt, hoping that it would be a better opportunity for him.
It saddens me that such a wonderful person and instructor is lost to us due to the callous and heartless act committed upon him. What makes it even worse is the fact that it was one of his own students that participated in this act of cruelty. Mr. Cox was the type of teacher that put everything he had into his students and his art- he was passionate about what he did... which is unfortunately a trait I see far too little in this day and age. He was a kind and compassionate individual whose heart was matched only by his zeal for passing his art onto others.
My prayers are with the Cox family as they deal with the loss of their son, and with the current and former students who are mourning the loss of a beloved teacher.
That's the problem with public schools today, it's all about race and skin color, instead of focusing on academics and knowledge and learning. Just look at all these posts, a bunch of angry people who can't see past the color of someone's skin.
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I am sophmore at basic high school this year and I took Mr. Cox's choir program and the first week of school he told me I belong in the Chamber choir because of my great attitude and the ability to sing. Since this was my first year of singing I really was inspired to do the best that I could. It really breaks my heart to hear that someone did this do a man with a big heart. Mr. Cox really believed I could do great as a section leader even though I was so nervous to even sing in front of people. I'm really sad that he won't be here to help me or anyone else do what they love...sing.
Hi! I am Matthew's mom and I would like to thank all of you for your support. Matt would love you all for it. I can tell you that race was not important to Matt. He always wanted to help whoever needed it. That is why he was helping the one boy in the first place. He was a student who needed help. Unfortunately, the 18 year old was not a student and was a bad influence to his younger brother. This is so unbelievably hard for me to have lost my loving son. Part of me has died! Yes, parents do need to discipline their children more. I pray to God that these two murderers are punished to the maximum for this. Matt never hurt a soul. We, his family, have to learn how to get along without him. Not possible!
Mattsmom!
I am so sorry for your loss. I loved Mr. Cox dearly. I've wanted to talk to you so badly and pay my respects. I do not know if you are planning on coming to Las Vegas, but i know the entire chamber choir would love to meet Mr. Cox's family. We have so much respect and love for your son and your family. You are constantly in my prayers.
Spare the rod and spoil the child...where have I heard that one? Not only do "lawyers" gain profitably and corrupt society, when policy change reaches Fedral levels, then is where nothing gets done. If kids don't learn, they don't succeed. They don't rise. They present value as a consumer, not a competitor. And do they become even worse parents than theirs? Probably. When "outrageous" was just a word and not a life-style, permissiveness hadn't been much of an issue. Sure, it's always been present, now tho, it's entrenched in our society. And when there was a time when good men could have done something, they winked.
Hello, I'm married to Matts mom and I've known Matt for over 10 years. Matt said he felt like I was the dad he never had, which made me feel great! I have never seen someone who had such drive and passion for what he did, whether it was a small Christmas choir performance, or a full blown musical. He was always so proud of his students and put the extra effort to help out those who needed it. Matt has left behind a legacy few of us can achieve. As you know, he was loved and admired by many (myself included) and for his life to be cut short by such a terrible crime is beyond comprehension. I am witnessing firsthand the effect his passing has on his mom and sister. No one should ever have to experience the pain and sorrow they are going through. I'm glad most of the posts are focusing on Matt. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers, and may he rest in peace.
Mattsmom and mattsdad. My heart goes out to you and I am sorry for your loss. I am a teacher as well and I try very hard to help the students that seem lost. I feel afraid when I read things like what happened to your son because so many people make so many excuses for bad behavior in our children. Many times I have written students up for writing things like, I AM A KILLER on their papers only to see that nothing was done to the child. I hear about how hard their lives are and how much drama is going on at home. How they live with Grandparents instead of parents and so on and I am getting tired of hearing excuses for the way children act towards other people in our society. Where do we draw the line? I was in foster care and a run away from an abusive home and yet I did not commit crimes or write about killing my teachers. I firmly believe that we enable children to do whatever they want with no real consequences for their actions. What are we preparing them for anyway? Life is tough and we all have our crosses to bare. Matt sounds like a great teacher and the fact that he was loved is a testament to how wonderful a man he was. You must have instilled some awesome values in him when you raised him. I know that he touched the lives of many children and that his legacy will live on in the music and the compassion he showed the kids. Now he rests with God and the Angels above. Peace be with you and your family.
We will be coming to Vegas this Sunday through Wed to deal with many unpleasant tasks that have to be done. We will definately get over to see the memorial that was set up for Matt, thanks to those who participated. I agree that the parents bear the most responsibility for raising their kids. Matt's mom had obviously done a tremendous job with her kids, Matt being the prime example. Christmas day is just about over here, and it was a very, very empty one without Matt.....
The state, if not the nation, needs to honor what appears to have been a magnificent life. I am truly moved by most of the posts.
Matt's Mom, Sister, Dad (married to Matts Mom). I can not begin to say how deeply sorry I am for your loss. He loved all of you very much and always spoke of you with the best regard.
I had the honor and pleasure of knowing Matt for 13 years and I will continue to know him for the rest of my life. I have so many great memories of him, from living with him after college to him helping me move to Detroit when I got a job promotion to moving him to Las Vegas when he got his new job.
As many of you know Matt had so much passion for being a teacher and I am proud of all of his accomplishments in the short time that he was with us. I will never forget the sparkle and excitiment in his voice when he spoke of what he was doing with his students. I never got to tell him how jealous I was of him for haveing a career that made such a strong impact on the lives of others. And the memories and legacy will continue to have that impact.
Matt thank you for the great times we shared together. I will never forget them or you.
Todd
I am Matt's stepbrother and all my memories of him were of a kind and enthusiastic person. I saw him only a few times a year at best, but it only took meeting him for 2 seconds to realize how good of a person he was. It really shakes you to your core when something like this happens to someone like Matt. I only wish I had gotten to know him more than I did. Rest in peace Matt...
Matthew Cox was a beloved teacher, mentor and a great friend. He had extraordinary compassion and understanding for all people.
When we got the news on Monday that Matthew had passed away, we had no idea that he had been murdered. Our first assumption was that it must of been his heart. As the tm's went out among the choir students, they wanted to be together. They were devastated. The calls were made and they agreed that WE should meet at Dunkin Donuts because we all knew that the 17 year old would be devastated by the news of Mr. Cox's death. When I got there and went up to him he hugged me so hard and sobbed. He cried and held on for a long time. Fellow students were there and they all cried together. None of it made sense.
Yesterday when the news went out that it was murder and then to find out who was accused and arrested was another blow to these kids. These kids saw their friend as one of their "best friends". So now these kids have lost another person who they were close to and cared about.
To those who condemn the parents or blame it on a race of people, you do a disservice to us all. You write with ignorance and you should show respect for the type of man Matthew Cox was. My daughter asked me if I believed Matthew would be sorry for trying to help a student. My answer was a resounding "NO!" I told her and the other kids that were here last night that he couldn't regret it because he was being the Christ-like person we all knew him to be. Matthew Cox was an amazingly talented, loving, gracious, mentor, counselor, friend and leader who will be sorely missed.
If any of you knew the life of the 17 year old you would understand his struggles and how hard his life had been to this point. Those of us who knew him and care about him had believed that his life had gotten on a better path. Things happen. We can't understand. But there is a quote in my daughter's room that says:
"Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Others stay for a while leaving footprints on our hearts and we are never ever the same."
That is truly a discription of Matthew. He has left his footprints on our hearts and his choir kids will make him proud. He had made his Chamber Singers promise that they would be at their last caroling gig of the season since he was supposed to be home for Christmas. Monday night, after hearing the news of his death, his singers all agreed that they would be at their gig and sing in his memory. They kept their promise.
The Basic choir kids and the choir moms and all of Matthew's friends and family will keep his memory alive and whenever we hear his favorite songs we will know he's with us still.
To "my" choir kidlings... stay strong, I love you.
To Matthew's parents, sister and friends... he was an amazing gift to the world and we feel blessed to have known him. Thank you for sharing him with us. He was loved and respected by all of us. If you ever need us, we are here.
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Just to make sure that some of you understand, none of us that knew the 17 year old accused condone his actions. We are heartbroken and devastated at what has happened. My daughter spoke with his aunt today and her family is trying to cope. They don't understand. His friends who spent hours with him are confused and can't believe that he was capable of such horrific acts. There are things that we are aware of that have taken place in his life, they don't excuse his actions or his brothers. The choir family at Basic is trying to take it all in and trying to understand.
As with Jenson, this is my daughter's Senior year at Basic. She has worked closely with Mr. Cox over the last three years. I'm thankful that Aarika and I both had the opportunity to know Mr. Cox and we both were able to express our love for him before his life was taken. There are moments over those past three years that will forever be in our hearts.
When Matthew would call or text me to ask if I could come in and help out the choir for whatever reason, I would always try to stop by Starbucks and get his favorite frap. I had it memorized. On busy days when I'd bring lunch to my daughter, I'd ask Matthew if he'd like me to pick something up for him as well. When you walked into his office one of the first things you would see is a large frame that says "MUSIC" the letters are a collage of pictures of his choir kids that my daughter and I made for him. His Chamber Singers presented him with a wooden treble clef with their names signed on it at their retreat. There are pictures his students have given him of them at different school dances. Those were all precious to Mr. Cox. He loved and cared for his students. One of his goals was that there was a place for everyone in choir. If students never felt that they fit in with any other group, they always fit in in choir, they became part of the choir family.
His laugh was contagious and he was just so much fun to know. One of my favorite pictures of him is from a singing gig at the mall for the "Fill the Boot" fundraising efforts during Labor Day Weekend. Mr. Cox wore a little red plastic firemen's hat. His a'cappella group wore theirs too for their final song of the day. Remembering his laugh at the retreat skits... priceless.
He wasn't a pushover, but he was fair. He held his students accountable and developed leaders. He led by example. He taught with passion. No dream was too big. We who knew him could be here for days recounting stories and moments we shared. He will be missed.
to natt's mom and sister
words cannot express the grief and hurt that has come in to your lives.remember the good times and the joy that matt has brought to you.God doesn't make mistakes.as i read all the comments posted here matt was a gentle soul and compassionate for his students. his love of music will continue on in his students.
always remember the love he had for you his mom and for his little sister. remember that god was with him. he's now in heaven doing what he loves the most directing God's choir and giving him praise. always remember that he's never far from you.hold him tenderly in your heart.never forget that God loves you and will keep you. He said in His word that He will never leave us or forsake us.Even when we don't know the reason why some things happen but remember to trust in God.
Matt was a great teacher and I am sure he loved what he did each day. I do not care what was going on in these boys lives that provoked them to kill an innocent man. There is NO excuse for COLD Blooded killing! I don't care if you were beated, molested or crucified on a cross for a week! No one has the right to kill another human being because they are having a hard time. I have students that live in cars! They are kind and loving people. When I worked at Fremont middle school, my student of the year was homeless. She did her homework every night, wherever she was staying for the night. I am sick to death of hearing the excuses these children have for killing. Teachers should be protected from mentally ill students such as the brothers that killed this teacher. IT was BOTH brothers and that comes from the home. Someone out there in real land knew these boys were dangerous and did not act. Someone had warning signs that these boys were cold-blooded killers and did not act upon their suspicions. Because of this neglect and all the compassion toward this boy, a great teacher is dead. Think of all the students that he will NOT reach with his music. Think of Matt's parents and family that miss him so much. Now get real and stop making excuses for these boys actions. I hope they are tried as adults. "Thou shalt not kill!" Even God knows that no one has the right to kill, even if they have a horrible home life and awful parents.
There were no warning signs that Jose was a cold blooded killer. He was a nice kid, helpful and kind. Thick headed at times, spent too much time feeling sorry for himself instead of just taking control of his life. Jose was given the tools needed to take control, but chose not to use them. He had problems yes....but nothing that pointed to cold blooded killer. I agree that there is no excuse for his actions, he's going to have to take responsibility for this and likely spend forever in prison, where he should be. They took a good man out of this world and that completely sucks. Three lives have been lost here. Two by choice of course. You can help kids, give them time, attention, tools, love, food, shelter, discipline yadda.... You can help them learn to make right choices...but you just can't guarentee they're going to do the right thing.
The more I read your post, Starrynite7, the more it irritates me. Logically, I should just stop reading it :) Evidently I'm not feeling very logical at the moment. You said:
"Someone out there in real land knew these boys were dangerous and did not act. Someone had warning signs that these boys were cold-blooded killers and did not act upon their suspicions. Because of this neglect and all the compassion toward this boy, a great teacher is dead."
Lets pretend for a moment that someone out here in "real" land did have suspicions that these boys were going to kill someone, what exactly are they, or law enforcement supposed to do about those suspicions? People can't be arrested on suspicions. You can't lock people up for what you think they might do if they haven't committed a crime. Now, of course, Jose and his brother can be kept in prison for life because we feel they might do this again, and that, in my opinion, is reasonable. You can look for help for these boys, counseling whatnot...but that doens't always work. You don't know what sort of interventions, if any, were used to help these boys. The murder of this man is the fault of Jose and his brother. Both of them are old enough to know better. Both of them are old enough to make correct choices in spite of how crappy they might think their lives were. I for one, feel that if I find a kid whom I suspect is going to grow up making horrible choices, or has already made some...I'm going to try to intervene and see if I cannot change the course of that kids life. I'm not going to withhold compassion and help, I'm going to shower them with it. I'm going to try to drum into their heads the idea of taking responsibility and taking control of their own lives and doing the right thing... and if they go on to make bad choices anyway, I'm going to be sad, but I'm not going to stop trying with the next kid.
Dear cuppycake, My post offended you and yes you could just not read it. I believe that everyone has the right to their opinion, even if we disagree. Having said that I believe that if we look into the student's file, I bet we would find a lot of "red flags" that would indicate that he was not mentally stable. I did not mean to imply that teachers should stop students they think are dangerous, but there is Threat Assessment that can look into the matter. They have the means to determine if the student is dangerous. I wonder if this students was turned into threat assessment? I wonder why a dangerous student was allowed on campus in the first place. Didn't counselors see he was a problem child? Maybe no one is to blame, and maybe, just like Columbine, there are red flags that need to be addressed. I do not believe that every child should be in the school system. If they are a danger to teachers they should be removed and placed somewhere that they can be watched. You basically said everything that I said in my post, except for the part about someone knowing he was dangerous. Still I disagree with you and that is ok. We are different people, with different ideas. Everyone is upset with this situation. I just want to be safe in the school where I work. Is that asking too much?
Nope, not too much to ask at all. I don't send my kids to public school anymore because I think they are very unsafe. I felt safer when I was working in a super max men's prison. I just read your other posts on this subject and have a much better idea of where you are coming from. I think that the student who wrote the letter about killing you should certainly be removed. As for Jose and his brother, obviously I don't know if there was a threat assessment. He might have been a good student, I dunno. The whole thing is just sad. Tragic for Matt's family. The whole thing sucks. In another post you said " I firmly believe that we enable children to do whatever they want with no real consequences for their actions. What are we preparing them for anyway?" That is one of my biggest pet peeves of all. We do enable kids to do what they want, we make excuses for their behaviors instead of holding them responsible for them. We have judges and case workers and parents who are forever giving the kid a break because their lives suck....then everyone is shocked when something like this happenes. They have to be held responsible for things, they have to feel consequences...not learn to manipulate their way out of things. We probably agree on this more than we disagree....it just bugs me is all. I'm sure people did act....and I'm sure these boys chose not to listen. If there is a way to contact people from here off of this post, I have a great career for you where you are absolutely valued as an employee and you still get to help/teach kids. The job sure can be heartbreaking sometimes though.
OK... to Matt's family and friends...and no one else.
I am deeply sorry for your loss and the suffering you are experiencing right now. To lose someone like Matt makes this world a lesser place. I am also sorry that you have been affected by these posts that are overshadowing the most important thing which is the loss of Matt.
I went to WMU with Matt back in the 90's. I was in the women's music fraternity and got to know Matt through our interactions through both music frats. While I was not the closest with Matt, we did know each other and said hello in the halls or at fraternity functions.
I did get to see the wonderful heart that he had. He never had anything bad to say, always looked on the rosier side of things, and always put his all in everything he did. I got to experience his leadership as the music director, I saw him perform in the musical group VII, I heard him speak positively about his peers, and saw his devotion to his brotherhood, music, and career.
Those of us that knew him at WMU are saddened by this news and offer you, his wonderful family, our support, our love, and our deepest sympathy.
I think people are either unaware or cold-hearted if they send their child to public school.
It is rolling the dice that comes up more and more on the losing side.
I will try to find a good church school if there are any and if I did not find that then it would be home schooling with some private lessons added it.
Many public schools are big virus cesspools that could poison your child at any time. The movies, TV, music and internet are all against you, too.
If you do send your children to public school then you should keep very close eye on who they pal around with.
Teaching children a religion or philsophy is key to help them get past the trouble teen years and early adult years until they can mature and start making decisions on their own. They need a rock to serve as a foundation. Today, kids are just a blank sheet of paper that get filled in with peer junk, bad music, internet, TV and movies. It is no wonder that they worship thugs and want to become gangsters. They lack a basic appreciation of right and wrong.
Dear jfnance,
let's see...public school DOES NOT expose children to bad music, internet, tv, movies, and the many other things you are proposing. You are part of the problem of the nonsense going on in these posts.
I teach 2nd grade in a public school in Michigan. They are low income, come to school with many problems, and often time...no sense of right and wrong. That's where I come in...it is not only my job to educate them about academics BUT also to educate them on life! It is a tough job, which I have been doing for ten years. Yes, I could go to a cake school where all the parents are wealthy, white, caring...however, I stay where it is hard, stressful, and under-appreciated. WHY???? Because I know that I am making a difference in these young lives...and I know this because they come back and tell me so. Kids who would have normally gotten pressured into gangs, who would have been in juvi at 10. I make sure that I remain a part of their lives even after they leave my 2nd grade class. I see them on the streets...I stop and talk with them...it's a rough neighborhood and I'm white...I often am scared. But if I die because of one student...just think of ALL the other lives I have helped save, redirect, and change. Public schools are for everyone, but they are there for people who can't afford to send their kids to private, charter, or religious schools. I am a servant of the people...and I would have it NO other way!
So before any of you chastise the public school system (which yes, does have flaws!) ask yourself...what are YOU doing to help change our future? If you aren't...stop talking!
I agree that parents need to do their part after school but it is extremely hard for them to fight the influence of the peers in a public school system and the "secular instruction of there is very little right or wrong on a personal level..live and let live" teachings.
Parents need to pull their children out of public schools and put them in a school that has strong displine and has a solid program of religious/philsophy instuction that matches what the parent desires.
The other option is home schooling.
Parents need to closely monitor who their children are paling around with.
It really dosent matter what race these children are. Kids of all races, colors, and creeds are commiting crimes like this. Put the blame where it belongs...first the parents, then the child and finally the failure of our society to properly address the problem. People act like its something new under the sun instead of realizing that this sad occurrence happens everyday in every city in this country. Until communities parent with the attitude that (your children are part of my society and therefor my children) things will remain the same and more children will take the lives of others and ruin their own and devastate those who are the recipients of the collateral damage.
I agree with LV4Life. We need to work on educating the parents. Parents should be teaching their children values. Public schools are a good place for many children. They teach them how to get along with many different people. Children do not need to be sheltered or protected from public schools, instead they need to be taught to say "No" to peer pressure. Teachers can only do so much. I teach at a middle school and I have 160 students. There is no way that I could teach all of my students the difference between right and wrong in a 50 minutes class. Instead, I try to do what I was hired to do, teach reading. I want my students to foster a love of reading and writing. I have many content standards that I need to address that is associated with Reading and English. There is no way one human being can do everything and be everything to all of their students. Maybe elementary teachers can who spend all day with students can be more forthcoming in extending beyond the curriculum and teaching the values that parents should be teaching their children. I try to talk to the students as much as possible each day. When they tell me they are being bullied I make sure they get the help they need. And again, I try to foster a love of books and writing. We need more parental involvement in the schools.
I am a student at Basic High School and Mr. Cox was my choir teacher. The lives he touched can't be counted. I am here now as the person I am today because of his kindness and love for all of his students. Without his guidence I could not say that I can now stand and sing with a confidence I never knew I had. Being a teacher is one thing, but he was a friend, Counsler, conductor, and a gaurdian over his students.
Mr. Cox, I love you and miss you terribly. I can assure you that I and the others will keep the program strong and wellcome all newcomers with open arms as you did. Thank you.
RS
I cant belive all of you guyz got the nerve to say all of this!
I'm a graduate from Basic High School. I've read ENOUGH articles about his death and the 2 brothers. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion well here's mine, NO ONE & I MEAN NO ONE has the right to talk soo much hatred about those 2 boys I know alot of people are angry. Everyone's judging them making them seem like the 2 most ugliest monsters out there well I got newsflash for all of you. You guys don't know nothing, what their lives have been, what they've seen and most importantly who they are as people. I love them very much they are like family to me. To Matts mom I know there's no words to describe your pain or even to help heal your wound. I'm not defending anybody here those boys made a mistake and they are going to pay for it. JOSE was not a bad influence on his brother, people that know them know for a fact that he has been through so much in life that its a miracle to still have him with us but you know why beacause he's strong and he's a caring person. Race has nothing to do with this. I don't support what they did but I love them and I have been through enough with both of them to know that they need support and I'm going to be there for both of them and you may pass judgement on me and think or say that I support what they did but you know what I don't care what anyone thinks or says of me. And as gold1020 that comment about the shower and all you filled with hatred people only GOD can judge him.
LillyBaby818 you said it all! those guys are like my brothers and i love them very much!
Many people come from difficult backgrounds and go through hell growing up and don't go and kill the one person trying to help them. It is the choices we make.
Our Sincere condolences go to Matt's family wishing you peace and strength at this time. We will forever be grateful for having Matt on staff at Basic High School. Matt meant so much to us because of the way he touched and brightened our lives especially when we heard his choir sing Christmas Carols so beautifully throughout the hallways. Who would have ever thought that Dec. 19th would be the very last time we would see Mr. Cox. Matt will forever be missed, we've all lost a friend, we've lost a champion, and it's going to take some time to adjust to that.
There is no way for us to know for sure what took place that day. We have two young men who have done something that nobody that knew them considered them possible of doing. We don't know where their heads were. Matthew isn't here to tell us his side of the story. We can only guess or imagine. It is a tragedy. A horrible heartbreaking tragedy. The 17 year old tm'd my daughter before he was taken into custody. He wanted to know how she was doing because he knew how heartbroken she and her fellow students were at Mr. Cox's death. All those kids were at Dunkin Donuts, Monday night, for the 17 year old, not knowing that he was responsible for what had happened. He had to face his peers knowing what he had done. He sobbed and held onto a few of us so tightly. If these same kids who were there to be a comfort to him the night of their teachers death can't hate him and are trying to understand the reason it all came to be... then how can any of you who knew none of them condemn anyone?
We loved Mr. Cox. We will miss him more than you could possibly know. We can't imagine anyone being able to fill his shoes. My daughter and her friends that will be graduating this year are going to have to get through the rest of the year without their mentor, teacher and friend. There are so many things that had been planned for the rest of the school year and they are wondering what will happen now.
I have buried a son. I know how it feels to mourn the loss of my own child. My heart goes out to Matthew's family, especially his mom. There was a part of me that felt like kind of a mom to Matthew while he was here. I know he was so concerned when I got sick at the end of the last school year. He was a wonderful and compassionate gentle soul who was loved and will be missed.
There will be a trial and we won't know all of the details. They will be judged according to the laws and they will have to pay a price for what they did, but as for everyone else judging and blaming this person or that part of society... why can't we be more like Matthew and leave those judgements to God and try to help each other through this time instead of fighting and blaming. Show the Christ-like love to everyone like Matthew did. That will be one of his legacies.
I can just imagine how difficult it was for this monster to face his friends, knowing how he had murdered in cold blood his teacher whom he thought so kindly of that they repaid his kindness with death. What kind of sick person sends an IM to ask if someone is ok when they were the one that did the killing? If I was friends with these boys I certainly would not want to be in a room alone with them. What if you offended them somehow and strangled you and knocked you out? Compassion should be sent to Mr. Cox, not his killers. They deserve nothing from us and I hope they stay in prison forever. I wish they could suffer the way Matt did before he died. They were not merciful and we should not be merciful either. Let us set an example with these two boys that we will not tolerate violence anymore, no matter how they grew up or what kind of a bad day they were having. I hope the court shows no mercy when he/ she passes down the sentence on these boys. Stop feeling sorry for the killers! Feel sorry for Matt and his family.
Matt's little sister and I and his dad are in the proccess of funeral arrangements for him. A casket, cemetary plot, funeral home, music and on and on. Do you know how hard this is! We have to make sure all who love him will find out of this tragedy. We love all of the messages but please don't argue. This is about a loving, CARING, choir teacher who helped others so much it's unbelievable. He never would have hurt anyone because caring people don't. Matt did have a hard time when he was growing up. He chose to be the person that I have enjoyed reading about in these comments. So please let's remember the good things. Why even I asked him for his opinion:) He is a great guy to have around....................
I have to respond to ambergirl and lilybaby818. I would normally ignore such ignorance and callousness, but I can't this time. How can you possibly use the word "caring" in describing a criminal? I don't need to "know nothing" about what their lives have been, what they've seen, etc. to know that we all have adversity in our lives and have seen terrible things, yet the majority of the human race are kind, gentle people! I agree, race has nothing at all to do with this, but to say they made a "mistake" is trivializing their henious crime! As far as "NO ONE" has the right to talk so much hatred for these boys, try telling that to the people closest to him, the people whose lives are now forever changed, the people who have lost part of their hearts because these "caring" boys made a "mistake"!!! You're wrong in saying that only God can judge them, man will get first crack at it and I pray for once, justice will be done so these "caring" boys will not make another "mistake" and one more innocent, gentle person will not have his life ended too soon.
I'm sorry I forgot to ask. Can someone tell me where the Monday choir performance will be Monday night? We have to come to Las Vegas to take care of things. We will be arriving Sunday night. Maybe we could hear his choir sing Monday night for the last time.
Matt was one of the sweetest, nicest and most talented people I have ever known. I was fortunate enough to witness his great musical talents on many occasions including high school plays and the group "VII" - his music will live on in the many lives he touched as a performer and as a teacher. He will always be remembered for his gentle spirit and sense of humor. He was a joy to be around and it is a shame that such a wonderful person was taken away from us too soon. My heart goes out to his family, friends and students who are all mourning his loss. The world has lost a very special person. He will be missed...
Everyone handles death in a different way. I guess I just react from fear. I just don't understand why this happened? Matt was good and kind and his students love him. I am just so upset because there is no reason or rhythm to why this happened. I didn't know Matt or his students and feel so bad about what happened because as teachers we spend all day, everyday taking care of kids. We worry about them and we care about their progress and we try to nurture them along. It just seems like such a slap in the face when they turn on us and kill one of our own. I hope you can get the students together so they can sing Matt home at his funeral. Perhaps the students could get together and write a song for Matt I know many of the students, if not all will need extra support at this time. Encourage the students to journal, write poetry, and talk about this tragedy so they don't feel so alone.
To starrynite7, you obviously don't understand what we are saying. None of us that knew the 17 year old ever dreamed he was capable of doing such a thing. He dated my daughter. He spent time in our home. We felt safe around him. We never met his brother. But I'm sure that there are people that you've met throughout your life that you were friends with and later found out that they had done something bad and you couldn't believe it.
My compassion goes out to all that feel the loss of Matthew. My compassion goes out to the families involved because it would be hard to be in their place.
If you knew Mr. Cox personally you would have known him to be the least judgemental, most compassionate and giving person you had ever met. You would have seen how he saw good in everyone. EVERYONE. Was it wrong for him to believe in others? Was it wrong for him to want to help kids find a place where they fit in? Was it wrong for him to give them confidence? Was it wrong for him to have an open heart and an open mind?
Again... When my daughter asked me if I thought Mr. Cox regretted trying to help his student, even knowing how it would all end... I said no. He wouldn't have regretted trying to help anyone. HE had compassion for EVERYONE. HE tried to help EVERYONE. His influence wasn't felt just at Basic, but throughout the Valley. Choirs from MANY schools came together and shared a passion for music. Music is a language of the heart and Mr. Cox had one of the biggest most selfless hearts of anyone I've ever known. When we found out who had found Mr Cox, a message went out to her and her choir kids because the Basic choir family was concerned for them. Do you understand? Do you see that Mr Cox showed so much love and concern for others that he taught others to show it through his EXAMPLE?
I'm sure Matthew's family is angry with the boys that commited this act. I'm sure that they are trying to understand and cope with things we'd rather not think of, especially during the holidays. I know my daughter, her friends and all who knew and loved Mr. Cox are struggling. It was my home that kids came to Christmas eve so they could be together. None of this is easy. But your comments are not helping anyone.
One of Matthew's best examples he showed to my daughter was at her IVA last year when he asked her what HE could do to help her be a better leader in the coming year. He didn't ask her what SHE could do! He asked what HE could do!!! That was the type of man, leader, mentor and teacher he was. He examined his own life and constantly strived to serve others and show love and compassion to everyone. He was always looking for ways that HE could improve himself. May you do the same...
To starrynite... I hadn't seen your last posting when I wrote the one right after it. So I do apologize because it does seem that you are beginning to understand. Matthew's family is right, there shouldn't be any fighting or debates. What was done was horrendous and devastating.
To mattsdad... I would like to communicate privately with you what was told to my daughter. I've sent you my cell number in a private message.
To mattsmom... I am trying to find out the information you requested and will let you know as soon as I find out the details. Please know that I adored and loved Matthew. I even had his favorite Starbuck's order memorized! He will hold a place in my heart alongside my son, who also was taken way too soon. If there is anything we can do to ease your burden in anyway, please don't hesitate to contact us.
I need to know if anyone knows Matt's (Mr. Cox) Mothers phone number??? Or where the funeral will be. My son was one of his music student in Hopkins High School in Michigan and I really want to go to his funeral. This Wonderful Man took my son under his wing and mentored him when he was in 7th grade, until Matt moved to Las Vegas. Matt was like a big brother to my son they went places together and talked and just hung out with him, Matt was part of our family. My son and Matt had stayed in contact since. My son is now 20 and married with a child and I can only hope that my son learns to PASS IT ON... This wonderful Man did not deserve this.
To FallonSouth... I am a choir mom who has been involved with my daughter and her activities throughout her years in school. I have over the years helped choir, dance and theatre teachers with costumes and uniforms and any other help asked for by the them. Matthew would either contact me personally or through my daughter to ask for my help with different things. After nearly three years of spending time at school and knowing him, it doesn't seem strange or odd to anyone that knew him personally that we would know his favorite Starbucks order. Even the staff at Starbucks knew him by name and never had to ask his order. His love of Starbucks was something he was often kidded about by his students. None of it is odd.
Your last line is cruel. Basic High School's mascot is the wolf. The school motto is: "The strength of the pack is the wolf, and the strength of the wolf is the pack." You have more or less condemned all of the students who attend Basic as a pack of wolves that would harm others. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Several of the things you are wondering about are things we have all pondered on the past few days. We are all struggling trying to fathom what happened. All we know for sure is someone that we cared about and loved was taken too soon by 2 boys who had no right to harm anyone, especially Matthew. There are things you have mentioned that can't be explained openly because one of the accused is a minor. There are questions that may never be answered.
Out of respect for Matthew's family, friends and his students I am asking that any further comments posted be in memory and a tribute of the man we all knew him to be. We will keep you all in our prayers...
We will leave the rest in the hands of the justice system.
Fallon: I just don't understand what you are getting at with your probing questions. Mathew is not on trial here, the monsters that killed him are the ones that are on trial or will be soon. What difference could it possibly make if Mathew was married or single, roommate? Who cares about his personal life? We don't know if he did let these killers into his home or if they burst in the door. Please do not turn Mathew into the accused here like rape victims are commonly treated. Do not question his life and try to lay blame on this teacher. He could have a harem for all I care and still it would not give these boys the right to be killers. I hope Mathews parents speak up loud and clear at the trial and make sure these boys/men receive the maximum punishment allowed by Nevada. I also hope they write a letter of appeal to the judge and ask that the minor be tried as an adult due to the heinous nature of this crime. I hope you speak up for Mathews rights in this case and do not feel sorry for these creeps.
Comment removed by staff.
A mistake is a server bringing the wrong food at a restaurant, it can be fixed. A mistake is taking a hit of pot, but next time you can so no and fix that mistake. Killing someone is not a mistake. Tell me how do you fix that mistake?
Grad08: Have you lost your mind? How can you honestly post, "It doesn't matter if they did take his life." He was only 32 years old! I can't comprehend how you can post this dribble in a blog that is trying to mourn a great man's death. Do you hold human life so lightly in your hand that you would profess forgiveness so easily for two cold blooded killers? Matts parents are grieving for their son and you think you should disagree with him about his own feelings? How dare you!
yea his true colors will come out..
i agree with starrynite7..."it doesn't matter if they did take his life." He was a beloved teacher at our school...basic high school...i love his class...Even though you say their lives are hard it's not right taking a person's life if they had a hard life...thats just not right...He was a young...only 32....32 he had a life to live...its better die old then young it's just wrong...
To Mr. Cox's family
My heart goes out to you...i love being in his concert choir class it's great....I knew him since last year when i was in glee club...i loved his personality it was so funny, relaxed, and out going...He treated us with a great deal of respect...I know that you fell sad and i think you should be happy for what he accomplished...He accomplished a great deal of things like taking people that didn't know and teaching them how to sing better and to not be shy...I would love to meet you and your family...Just remember that he did good things for us teens in his classes and for you and your family....Also, remember the good things in your lifes that you did toghther...
sincerly,
carebear_123
First, I apologize to Matt's family for the BS that has been blogged about on this site...please stop reading these posts because for the most part, they are by ignorant people in the West!
Wow...and we wonder why our society is as diminished and failing as it is! People on here are saying the stupidest, most thoughtless, insane things. Seriously...think before you post something on here...use the brain God gave you...and use common sense!
Since when is murdering someone a mistake? Oh wait...that's right...It's not a mistake...it's a mortal sin and a felony! Plain and simple...that's it! This is why parents/society need to take responsibility...
As for "so what that he died?" WTF!! Think if that was someone you cared for? So what? Really...are you that uncaring of a person...I can tell you there are THOUSANDS of people who care...and to say that kind of thing knowing that his parents read these posts? Unforgivable!
And I can understand loving the two boys if you know them or are related...however...to say that because you know them and loved them doesn't make them wrong? Plain and simple...taking the life of another person is against the law!!!! Punishable by death! GROW UP AND PLEASE THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK AND MAKE A COMPLETE HORSE'S A** OUT OF YOURSELF!
Most people are viewing it as it is.Two kids who took the wrong path in life took the life of a teacher who was stimulating his students to develop their inner voice. My daughter was one of them. It is really sad when certain people are so ademant in defending the perpetrators. They were not the victims. We live in America and they have to be judged before being sentence.May the court give them a sentence that fits the crime.
to lillybaby818:
you are so wrong they could of done something else then do wat they did...Even though they had a hard life they couldn't of done something else then wat they did...
AmberGirl:
I know you love them but you have to admite wat they did is wrong....they should of went to talk to you instead kill an inoccent person and stealing his house...
so both of you have stuff to think about stuff and wat you say...
To Ambergirl, Lillybaby and Grad08... We have all read how you feel about the boys and we do understand. But no matter what there is no excuse for taking someone's life. None. There are things what you three and I know about their lives that haven't been put in the news because one is a minor. Most of the people posting here are trying to understand what happened. Please don't be disrespectful towards Mr. Cox's family, friends and students that loved him. They deserve to mourn without being told they are wrong to be angry or upset that someone they loved life was taken too soon. How would you feel if you were Mr. Cox's parents? Please show them the respect they deserve. I know you all know my daughter and have been friends with her. She is lost and has no idea how she is going to make it through the rest of her senior year without one of her favorite teachers there to help her through. She can't hate anyone. She doesn't understand what the boys were thinking or why it happened. Some of her best friends were best friends with the 17 year old and they are all struggling. There are better ways for you to help then to write hurtful things here at this time. I think if the 17 year old could go back in time and erase what happened and prevent it from happening again, he would. I didn't know Jose, just what I've heard. What happened is horrible and lives are forever changed. Nothing good came out of it. The only thing we can do now is try to help each other through the hard times ahead.
Again, I just ask that you show respect for those mourning. The boys are in custody and there will be a trial. If you want to help them, that will be the time and place. Not here. You are only hurting people who are already suffering...
To everyone that read my post I apologize if I offended anyone especially Mr. Cox's family I really am sorry for your loss for how the situation has turned out. But I do want to clear up the air I never said that what they did was right in no sense was it right and they deserve a punishment and whatever that may be. To ShanaMo thank you for your post I do admit I was pretty heated but I love those boys their like brothers to me and all this situation is hurting me really bad I know my pain could never add up to Mr. Cox's parents. Also I didn't really explain myself when I said that they have been through soo much in life I wasn't putting that out there to excuse their actions I said it because I have read some articles where they say our society is so messed up and that kids now and days don't get any discipline and their parents let them get away with anything. If for those that know the 17 year old very very closely than they know what I mean by that if not i'm sorry it wasn't my intention to disrespect anyone. Also ShanaMo mentioned that if the 17 year old could go back in time and erease what happened and prevent it from happening he would. That is completely true I remember last year when he entered choir and he received a choir shirt he told us You'll never see me wearing this shirt, a few months into the school year he would wear it alot he loved choir and he still does and I know he will always carry Mr. Cox in his heart. I knew and I know to this day who JOSE is and of course if he could go back and change things he most defenitely would. When I used the words caring to describe him it wasn't to make anyone feel sorry for him, I said it because only a few of us really care about him and know he in his heart wishes this had never happened. Once again I do apologize if I offended anyone I had no intention to do so.
Lilli: That was a beautiful post and I was upset when I wrote my posts also. It would be so great if we could turn back time when we make mistakes. I have made my share of mistakes in my life. The problem is that we can not go back in time. Regret is a waste of precious time because it solves nothing. I went to Cal Poly in SLO Ca and the motto was, "Learn by doing," and in this case we can learn by observing. I really want to impress upon the younger posters that when we make choices it effects many people each day. Some choices are small and uneventful, such as what to have for dinner. Other choices have a huge impact, raging at a teacher, driving drunk etc. As long as you focus on the belief that the brothers would gladly turn back time, the longer you will be in denial about what happened to Mathew. Let go of the notion of time travel for just a moment and take Mathew's parents and family into consideration. They can not turn back time. The have to live in the here and now and deal with the reality of what happened. The only thing we can do is move forward and make sure this does not happen to another teacher. We all need to be more aware of what is going on with our youth and we need more places for them to turn for help. If they need medication we need to get it to them. Counseling should be available at all schools (not school counseling) We need more parenting classes for parents of teens. Everyone just needs to stop and look around and do something to make this horrible situation never happen again. We also need tougher laws on juveniles and a "No tolerance" Policy firmly in place at all of the schools. If students threaten teachers they should be automatically expelled. In this case, the learn by doing will need to apply to the sentence given to these boys at the end of their trial. We need to show by example that young people can not kill and get away with it just because they have a bad home life.
I feel like I have posted too many comments on here, but I also have felt the need and desire to try and help everyone involved, everyone reading or hearing the stories and just trying to be a parent who is there for her child, her friends and their parents and for anyone else that needs me.
Matthew meant the world to me and to my family and to my kidlings. (Kidlings are my word for the kids I've grown to love and care about over the years but am not the parent of.)
I'm thankful that I am seeing more compassionate and understanding posts being written and that there is beginning to be what should have been all along... a coming together of people who are helping each other and learning through this tragic time.
Life is what we make it and it is never easy. We all have challenges and choices. We are all human. There isn't a child born into this world who is born evil. It's the things the children see, experience, learn and how they have been taught to deal with those things that change the course of their innocent lives into somebody who is capable of hurting someone else. It takes a village to raise a child is a quote we have all heard over the years and I do believe it is up to each one of us to become people who help others no matter what. That is the type of person Matthew was. He was truly a Christ-like person and he had an open heart. I truly hope and pray that I can become more like him and show others his life did impact mine. It's our turn now to help and teach others and reach out to those who are struggling, even if we are struggling.
Matthew is watching over us now and we have to try to carry on. My heart and my prayers will continue to go out to all of those who are dealing with the loss. Please know I am here if you need me...
May God be with us all...
Funeral arrangements for those of you who would like to know are as follows: Pawlak Funeral Home 1640 Smith Road, Temperance, MI 48182 Showing will be Friday, January 2,2009 from 3 - 9:00 pm - funeral will be Saturday, January 3, 2009, at 11:00 am. If any of you out there have any pictures of Matt would you please send them with a story of it. We would enjoy that very much. I would treasure it always! My email address I'm using for this is Mattsmom@fixrad.com Thank you so much
God knows what happened and why. Before society condemn these boys we should ALWAYS remember there are two sides to every story. Sometimes the innocent are NOT so innocent.
What are you talking about. Their side is the only side we get to hear! It is a shame that Matt's not hear to tell his side isn't it! Matt helped numerous kids at the other school as well as this one. That was his goal in life, to help kids. Some of us don't even have a goal. Condemn these boys? Well, let's see what it says in the Bible. Here's a BIG one. Thou shalt not KILL! Let's see this happen to a loved one of yours. I mean someone that you truly, truly love. What God does know is that Matthew didn't deserve this from anyone.
For anyone wanting to send Matt flowers. I know it may sound funny but please no carnations. That's from his little sister.
To truthwillsetufree:
Your comment was inappropriate and insensitive.
To mattsmom: I'm sorry you had to read such an ignorant, heartless and thoughtless comment.
I think proper place to honor mr. cox through forum should be embraced.
a blog has been created in his honor.
please feel free to pay your respects
http://mtcox.blogspot.com/
RIPMTC<3
Matt was a mentor to me as a teacher as well as someone I called a best friend. His life being taken is something that can only be called senseless and cruel. The fact that there are people on this forum squabbling about public education and other topics COMPLETELY unrelated to the death of this shining educator is ridiculously disrespectful to Matt's family and the people who loved him.
I met Matt my first day as a teacher, had lunch with him that day and we were very good friends ever since. He was a constant presence at the lunch table at school with me and my department as well as outside of school with me, my family and other friends. His impact as a teacher was felt by all of his students and it was clear. I can say as a co-worker that I always LOVED having choir students in my classes because Matt taught not only music, but also academic responsibility that carried over to his students' other classes.
We will miss him tremendously, both in and out of school. We will miss seeing him on stage conducting, at the piano with his starbucks, caroling around school during the holidays and performing at assemblies.
I will miss seeing movies with him, going out for dinners, window shopping, just sitting around watching TV and most of all, having a best friend to just call and talk to.
Mattsmom, I can't express to you how much he meant to everyone as an educator, friend and mentor. My heart goes out to you and your family right now.
Matt, rest in peace my friend, rest knowing that you did all you could for who you cared about most, your family, friends and students and that it was 100% appreciated by all. You are sorely missed.
Please send comments for Matthew here for all to share instead of sending them to my picture email. Thanks
To my cousin I want to say how very sorry Iam for your loss. I have thought about stopping over to see you but I could not bring myself to do it, but you have been in my thoughts. There are no words to take away the hurt you are feeling right now, but you know that we are all here if you need us. Ihave been on here reading all of these comments and Iknow you have done the same and you should be so proud of Matt and i know that you are. He was loved by so many people and that has to tell you what a great son you had. I will see you Thursday.
And now to truthwillsetyoufree and anyone else that feels the same way let me tell you how pathetic you are. Each and everyone of you that feel that way must have no values for life. Those animals that did this to Matt should have to give their life now for what they have done. They are not God he is the only one that has the right to take a life. This has nothing to do with being innocent. It is about taking someones life, someone that was good to them and there is no excuse for what they have done. They are guilty and i hope they are punished to the fullest extent. Only then can everyone move on. For anyone that feels sorry for the guilty you need to be saying a prayer for Matts family not feeling sorry for someone that played God. They knew what they were doing and there is no excuse for what they did. Their judgement day will come.
Truth: You should delete yourself for being such an idiot! Are you kidding me? There are two sides to every story, when both sides are able to present their sides of the story! Matt does not have the luxury of presenting his side of the story because two heartless creeps intervened with his life plan and killed him! Society be damned! These monsters have condemned themselves to hell forever and ever! I only wish we still had the death penalty in place in Nevada. I went by Basic High today and left a ribbon on the cross that someone made for Matthew and I felt such a presence of love from the candles and the starbucks. The students have spent time and heartfelt energy saying goodbye to Mathew. I said a prayer with my son and we looked around and felt such sadness. Such a waste that a great man was struck down in his prime. So many lives will miss out on his magic. That is Mathew's side of the story.
Let's get this straight Mr.Matthew Cox was and is the victim here.
I do not know anyone in Henderson to make any kind of judgement, of race, creed, or color.
I live in Michigan and Mr. Matthew Cox taught at Hopkins High School and turned our music program around and made all of the kids in his classes leave with higher self esteem, he acheived this while other teachers couldn't. I'm sorry thats not totally true there are a good hand full of teacher there that try and do the same thing in other subject that do as Matt did also and its just not a paycheck to them either, like it wasn't for Matt.
Mr. Matthew Cox would spend pass the 40 hour work week to do extra for the music department and the other part of HIS time was just listen and helping kids realize you don't have to cave into peer pressure to be liked.
I do know and love Mr. Matthew Cox and he would not and could not hurt anyone or anything. Some of the people are defending these young men as though they just beat and chocked Hitler.
This was a kind and giving human being. He had helped my son beyond your imagenation, he had mentored him and was a big brother to him. Mr. Matthew Cox took my son under his wing he said that at school I'm your teacher and you will not be treated any different from any other child, outside of school they were friends someone my son could confide in and not worry he was being judged, they went to the movies and trips and just hung out and were just bestfriends.
When peer pessure is so bad and a parent like me that has disiplined and has made sure my children toed the line and showed respect to adults and peers, when my son started acting up, where I didn't know what or where else to turn to, there was my angel in disguise Mr. Matthew Cox.
My Son is a better person for knowing Matt, sure we could of taken my son to a counselor and others but here was a MAN that reached acrossed the teachers table and said what can I do to help.
Mattsmom...it doesn't sound funny to not send carnations...he didn't like them :-)
Also my children had attended a Christian school and then into a public school, so my children were well rounded in good and bad teaching from both kinds of schools, by that I'm saying if the teacher is there just for the paycheck then they do not make school interesting enough to hold their attention. Please don't take this the wrong way your not there to entertain the student, but you are there to teach them and the student is there to learn, not every student learns the same way and they do need to make it so they are interested in learning and I feel Matt did that.
I'm sure the young man he was trying to help just didn't see that, or maybe his brother had to much of an influence on him which at that point where was his parents.
Now Mr. Matthew Cox will not see his family on visiting days, he won't be able to get a hug from a loved one, a letter, birthday card etc... he won't EVER see the light of day on this earth again. He is in a better place now with our Lord and Savior that has seen the GOOD not bad he has done, which to my view I had not seen any bad.
So I do not feel that the 2 young Men should ever see the light of day either, an eye for an eye, maybe, but PLEASE do not make these young men out as a victim, they do not deserve to get that hug or see their families or receive that letter because they have done wrong.
I feel it's about time maybe some of their peers should step up to the plate and hold the young men accountable for their actions and if they talk to them, they should let them know that they should show responsibility and speak up and tell the truth and not cause his Mother, Father, Sister anymore pain.
As you all have read in the paper these young men beat and choked Mr. Matthew Cox to death, they took away his voice, now it is time for these young men to do the right thing and use their voices to HELP Mr. Matthew Cox tell the judge the truth of what they did to him. PLEASE
Both of these killers are psychopaths and we need to be aware of other students that have the same tendencies. In an article about Columbine a Doctor discusses the situation: Harris is the challenge. He was sweet-faced and well-spoken. Adults, and even some other kids, described him as "nice." But Harris was cold, calculating, and homicidal. "Klebold was hurting inside while Harris wanted to hurt people," Fuselier says. Harris was not merely a troubled kid, the psychiatrists say, he was a psychopath.
In popular usage, almost any crazy killer is a "psychopath." But in psychiatry, it's a very specific mental condition that rarely involves killing, or even psychosis. "Psychopaths are not disoriented or out of touch with reality, nor do they experience the delusions, hallucinations, or intense subjective distress that characterize most other mental disorders," writes Dr. Robert Hare, in Without Conscience, the seminal book on the condition. (Hare is also one of the psychologists consulted by the FBI about Columbine and by Slate for this story*.) "Unlike psychotic individuals, psychopaths are rational and aware of what they are doing and why. Their behavior is the result of choice, freely exercised.
My name is felicia and matt was a regular at our Starbucks in the Galleria Mall. I will miss making his Iced grande 3 pump mocha 2 pump classic Mocha! On behalf of all of us at Starbucks we will miss matts smiling face and presence. Recently I told Matt i was starting Education classes in the Fall... I will always remember how happy and in me even though I was just the barista that made his favorite drink.
This seems an excellent venue for people to vent their feelings regarding this horrific crime. Even though some people's views and opinions may seem callous, insensitive, etc., it is still important to allow people to vent. Please continue to respect each other's opinions and feelings.
As a fellow teacher in CCSD it is important for all of us to realize that our position as teacher is to TEACH. As a music director there are more contact hours with students, and students are under the tutelage of the teacher for 1-4 years in high school.The music teacher really gets to know the students! However, our schools have counselors who are trained to deal with the serious issues of these students (regardless of gender, ethnicity, etc.)and assist them in dealing with their "issues." All teachers should refer these students to the appropriate counselors. It is tempting to want to counsel one's students, but not prudent.
Mr. Cox was murdered-plain and simple. Even though some questions will be answered and others will be left unanswered, these two young men were responsible for taking another person's life. Perhaps they feel sorrow and/or remorse for what they have done, but the act cannot be undone. Matt's mom, step-dad, and the rest of his family have lost a precious loved one. The choral students of Basic HS have lost a precious teacher. His fellow choral directors and fellow teachers have lost a precious colleague. Remorse and sorrow on the part of these two young men cannot undo this loss. I have full confidence that the Clark County court system will deal firmly and fairly with these two young men. I believe both will be even more sorry in the future as they spend a long time incarcerated in the Nevada prison system.
Back to the most important issue: we will all miss Matthew Cox, a valuable, precious child of God.
As music teachers, our job may be to teach. However, most students are more likely to be comfortable opening up to a teacher they see several times a day for several years, rather than a counselor they see rarely. It is only natural for music teachers to become teachers, mentors, and counselors to these kids. Even in light of this tragedy, I will still never ever hesitate to help a student in need.
I completely agree and would never hesitate to help a student in need.
Students need teachers to be mentors and listen to them when they need to talk about school related issues, however if a student is depressed or emotionally unstable they should be referred to a counselor so they can get the help they need. Teachers are not therapists or social workers and we can not decipher if a student is a threat to him/herself or the school. Our safety and our other students safety needs to come first. We can not be all things to all students because we do not have the training to deal with their emotional problems. I will continue to help students with school related issues only and leave the rest to the counselors who have been trained to deal with these issues. I will also in the future press charges against any student that threatens me again no matter how much I feel sorry for them. Maybe if I would have pressed charges against the student that threatened me I wouldn't be worried about returning to school and seeing her everyday.
I had Mr. Cox as a teacher in Michigan. He is the reason I got started in music and the reason why I am currently studying music. He always had a smile on his face and I remember every morning he would drink the mocha frappuccino drinks from starbucks. He was a very personable guy and he really helped establish the program at Hopkins. God Bless Mr. C.
-Sam
For the past couple of days I have been mentally and emotionally trying to deal with this loss. I just want to comment and say how blessed I was to have him in my life. Numerous times he helped me to become more confident and bring out the best in me. That's what he did as a person. Bring out the best in others. He had a great gift. He was a wonderful teacher. He knew so much and only wanted to better the lives of the students around him. Not only was he an inspiring teacher, he was a confidant, guide and friend to many of his students. I remember talking with him one time about a student who had expressed what music had done for him in his life. He said... "This is why I teach music. To help people. To help them realize their great potential. It's days like this that make me keep on going."
I know he woke up each morning with the attitude of "who can I help today? Who can I inspire to live a better life?" His memory will always be in our hearts and I know we are ALL better individuals for having him in our lives.
-Previous high school student
"I have a family here on earth. They are so good to me I want to share my life with them through all of eternity. Families can be together forever through Heavenly Father's plan. I always want to be with my own family, and the Lord has shown me how I can. The Lord has shown me how I can."
To Mr. Cox's Family:
This is not the end. You will see Matthew again and be a family again. I know this without a shadow of a doubt. Heavenly Father is aware of your pain and sorrow. Please know that the people of Henderson adored your son and he will be missed. Please let us know if you need anything at all. We are here.
Hi everyone! This is Meilchick18. I am now a senior at Hopkins High School and I was honored to have Mr. Cox all four years that I took choir.
I remember when I first met Mr. Cox. I was in 3rd grade and our music teacher decided to teach all of us how to square dance. I don't think we were even a week into it when Mrs. Ball tripped over a 1st grader and broke her hip. While she was recovering Mr. Cox came in to teach the classes. I remember practicing a skit of Noah's Ark and if we did anything with it, I don't remember. All I remember is what a great and fun guy Mr. Cox was. That memory is what helped me choose to take music appreciation in 6th grade and then spend my next three years in choir.
Mr. Cox taught me so much in those four years I got to have him as a teacher. Not only did I improve when it came to singing but I also gained confidence" confidence that can only come from standing on stage singing in front of a room filled with people, or even filling a minor role in a big musical. With all of that it was hard to let Mr. Cox leave and as he broke the news to us in Concert Choir I know all of us were extremely sad. We sang the best we could during the last concert Mr. Cox directed at Hopkins and as we sang the song "I Hope You Dance" I know that a lot of us secretly dedicated the song to the wonderful man. The last day of school was hard as we all hugged him goodbye but we knew he had to go. He only wanted what was best for his students and that's what we wanted for him. That was his new job so we let him go.
My deepest condolence goes out to all of those who mourn the death of such an amazing man, who touched the lives of everyone he came in contact with. Mostly it goes out to his family. No one should have to deal with the death of a brother or a son" and they shouldn't have to deal with the thoughts of murder. I am so sorry that you need to go through this mattsmom and mattsdad.
I have one more thing to say. Thetruthwillsetyoufree, how DARE you say that "sometimes the innocent are NOT so innocent."!?!?! Out of his 206 bones, Mr. Cox did not have one bad one. He would never harm anyone. He dedicated all of his time and energy to his students and those around him. He was a great inspiration and a great man! You should be ashamed that you said that on a site meant for those mourning Mr. Cox's death. To make it worst" you said it in a place that his mother could read. This is by far the hardest on his mother. Mattsmom" I am so sorry that you had to read that and all the other racial, inappropriate comments posted on this blog. My prayers go out to you and your family. Your son was definitely an amazing man and he will always be missed here in Hopkins.
Mr. Cox was an inspiration to so many of us. He meant so much to the children because, unlike parents, he didn't HAVE to care. He chose to care about them. Choir was a family and he loved those kids dearly. The best part is that all the children knew it.
To Mr. Cox's family, my heart goes out to you. Please know that his memory and his guidance will live on with his kids for the rest of their lives. I truly believe that my son is still in school right now because of your son. I thank him and you for raising such a fine young man. God bless you all. Rest in peace Mr. Cox and sleep with the angels.
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The first time I met Matt was in the fall of 1994. We were both rushing Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, a men's music fraternity at Western Michigan University. We were having tryouts for the class choral director and Matt blew us all away from the first words "All right!" He walked in, took charge and showed us what an astoundingly beautiful musical mind he had, and what a presence...a force...he was in front of a group. There are people in music who can conduct, but there are very few who can get a group to come together in just such a way that makes the notes on the page transcend sound and move into something truly beautiful. Even at the young age of 18, Matt had that ability.
Over the next several months, Matt would become one of my closest friends. We hung out together, went to movies together, marveled that Barnes & Nobles would put a store in Kalamazoo together. I remember going to see the original Toy Story with him and we were just absolutely blown away by how realistic it was.
In February of 1995, I was with Matt and a few other fraternity brothers on a trip to the PMA headquarters in Evansville, Indiana. We were just driving around the countryside, totally lost, listening to some great music when we just all started to sing "Under the Boardwalk" in A Cappella. It sounded fantastic! And from that, the roots of VII were born. A little time later that year, I decided that I would join the Navy. I was very sad that I wouldn't be able to continue touring with VII, but I knew that it was going to be a fantastic group with Matt at the helm. And what a sensation VII became! Matt is an absolute genius at musical arrangement. He knew what he wanted and how he wanted it to sound. And he was SO attentive to detail. Every little piece of the details mattered to him. And he didn't rest until they were just right.
When I returned to Kalamazoo in 2002 after the Navy, I was very happy to find Matt still living in the area. He was now the choir director at Hopkins and thoroughly enjoyed what he did. He had left a long lasting impression on the fraternity, still participating in their activities occasionally.
Matt and I became even closer friends from that moment on. I'm proud to say that he was my Best Friend for quite a while. Not a title that I give out lightly. He truly understood me as a person, and I likewise understood him.
Matt's passion for music, his drive to help kids, and his understanding for just how to make kids do beautiful things in choir is something that most people will never understand. It's truly the work of a genius.
I had the privilege to be Matt's roommate in 2005 and 2006. I can tell you that Matt really never left work. He brought it home with him when he did come home. Oftentimes, he was so wrapped up in the details of the choirs, he would sleep at Hopkins. Keep in mind that Hopkins was a 45 minute drive one-way from Kalamazoo. But that was nothing to Matt. His goal was to help the kids of Hopkins see past the limitations of small town and let them experience what it's like to dream big. And Hopkins not only dreamed big under Matt, they performed big.
I saw two of Hopkins musicals. Grease, and The King and I. Let me tell you, those were quality shows, as good as, if not better than, many professional productions that I'd seen. Matt's attention to detail in these shows was good, but it was nothing compared to how well the students performed. I remember one particular conversation I had with Matt (as we often did when we would catch up with each other over Starbucks and the mall on the weekends) where he was telling me about the rehearsals for Grease. He had a dream to bring in an actual car on the stage. I remember how his eyes glowed, his smile widened, and his hand motions grew grander and grander with excitement as he envisioned how the scene would go. I was a little skeptical at a high school being able to pull of his plans, but you know what? He always had full faith in his kids to do it right. Never had a doubt. And boy was he right. Grease was astounding. The kids really rocked it, and Matt knew that he was succeeding at giving these kids and this community something they'd never had before.
It was late summer in 2006 that Matt moved on to Las Vegas. I was deeply saddened to see him go, but I was very, very happy to see him get an opportunity to go somewhere that was a match for his genius. And, I was envious that he got to be in a place that didn't get snow (except for last week when I was sure to poke fun at him for the snow Vegas got). He was so excited to be out there. We talked frequently about how things were. He told me how he missed me and I told him that I missed him. But I knew that he was, for the first time in his life, truly happy out there. He was where he belonged.
Matt was not a racist man. Matt had no biases nor hang-ups on people because of their upbringing or heritage. He always believed that everyone deserved a shot and being successful in life, and always felt that everyone deserved a second chance to make up for their wrongs in life. Indeed, as someone earlier mentioned, Matt couldn't hurt a fly. He was the kindest, gentlest man that I have ever known.
Sadly, as is replete throughout history, the geniuses among us are taken far too early in their lives. Matt has obviously touched so many lives with his. I cry now just with the sheer pride of knowing how successful he became. I'm so very proud of him. I hope that I can one day be a tenth of the man that he was. I cry at his passing, and with the knowledge that, in the end, I wasn't there at his side. But I will carry him to his final resting place, and I will not let him be forgotten.
To all of you who mourn, join me in a prayer and an Amen. Thank you, Matt, for sharing your wonderful life with all of us. Thank you for the light that is your soul, that filled us all with love for you with each one of your laughs, and with each trip to Starbucks that we shared. To you, I lift my voice in song. So let it be...Brother.
Amen.
So has anyone heard when the police are going to announce the full findings of the investigation?
Does anyone know if the police has interviewed any other students/minors?
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To fallonsouth:
I have been reading all the comments posted and just read your comment about "running with a pack of wolves."
My daughter attends Basic High School and to call the students a "pack of wolves" is outrageous. What would you call the students if it had happened to a Foothill High School teacher by a Foothill student? The fact is that this could happen anywhere and to anyone. Do not lump all of the Basic High School students in as bad because of two students. I am very involved with the band at Basic and for the most part I see kids who are good, honest, and caring. There are problems at all schools all over the United States, not just Basic High School in Henderson, Nevada. This teacher befriended his students and cared about them. I'm sure that Mr. Cox was proud to be part of the Basic High School wolfpack (ie: family) and to draw strength from the pack, and give some of his strength back to the pack. He will be missed as an important part of the Basic High School family.
The loss. A message to Matt:
I remember the day you were born. 4 days after your mom and I were involved in a head-on collision. I remember fearing that I was going to lose both of you. With lots of prayers and many sleepless nites, God blessed me with a healthy son and a complete family. You were our miracle baby.
I remember teaching you to ride a bike and running along side of you to protect you from falling. And I remember the long bike rides we took together after you became a skillful rider.
I remember buying our family piano. The free lessons for life for each of us. I remember our first family recital (I stunk) and you played the Muppet Show theme. Everyone was just so amased that such a little boy could play like that. I was so proud of you.
I remember you practicing the piano for hours and hours and singing and entertaininng friends and family. I was so proud.
I remember how great of a big brother you were.
I remember when you entered high school and joined the choir. I remember the many wonderful musicals you were in, the great friends you made and I remember Mr. Smith. Your mentor and friend who emcouraged all you kids to become your best.
I remember watching you become a leader and mentor yourself to freshmen and others entering choir. You loved this and I was so proud of how good you were.
I remember you graduating in the top 10 of your class of over 400 students and the only college you applied for was Western Michigan because of their music program.
I remember the many chorus concerts, VII, Jesus Christ Superstar and leaving each of these being so proud of you.
I remember telling you one nite at dinner how lucky you were to be doing what you truely loved. The measure of a great man is in how many lives he has touched or changed in his life. I have read many of the comments written by your many friends, students and parrents. You became a great man. I am so proud to have you as my son. You and Kristin will continue to be in my heart and prayers. Please continue to watch over her. I love you and I will miss you.
Now go and continue to share your talents and love with the angles in heaven. I look forward to seeing you again one day and enjoying the heavenly voices of the Saints Choir.
Love Always,
Dad
My thoughts and prayers go out to the WHOLE Cox family, especially his father Tom. I never met Matt but his dad is a great man so I'm sure he was as well. I am so sorry for your loss.
God Bless.
Mr. Matthew Cox would have been 33 years old today; I had always sent an e-mail or called him on his birthday, after he moved. When he was in Hopkins he would come over if he was in town or our family would get together with him before or after he came back in town to celebrate his Birthday. (Happy Birthday Matt)
This is so very sad all the navigate stuff I am reading, yes, if I see something on TV or a article I don't like or agree with I shut it off or put down the paper or not look at it on the internet. The problem with this is I knew this person (Man) well, and I can't stand by and not do or say anything.
We need and should be celebrating the Wonderful Man that helped so many kids, build self esteem, giving them self worth, had given them a ear for listen and a smile of kindness and a pat on the back for encouragement.
Matt would never ever cross the line with anyone old or young; once again Mr. Matthew Cox is the VICTIM here.
STOP!!! HURTING his family and his adoptive family's that care so much for him. My HEART is breaking! I can only imagine what his Mother, Father and Sister are thinking of right now of people, some so called friends of Matt's.
Shame on those who talk or write things, whom really didn't get to know Matt.
Stop talking/writing things that you really don't know about or that you assume you know about. Has anyone ever told you what ASSUME mean, this goes to those of you that are being MEAN at a time of great sorrow to his family and friends.
If you have any common decency or etiquette of not upsetting the LIVING from their great loss would you or could you reframe from the negative comments or assuming thoughts you have, for the family sake, not yours or mine. Just the family"
God bless you and keep you Mr Cox
YOUR voice will be heard!!!
Happy Birthday!!!
I'll see you in Heaven!
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AMEN sags! AMEN!!!
I know if i was around someone that made me uncomfortable I would stay away from that person. I just cant believe any of this. Seems so easy to make a story up about someone that is not here to defend them selves. Because he was uncomfortable he kills a man.I dont believe it. Killers and Thiefs that is what this is all about. Senseless loss of life because they were uncomfortable. Unless some one is trying to kill you and you are fighting for your life there just is no excuse for taking a life. Animals is all i can see when i think of those two. It does not matter what Matt did in his personal life, it dose not matter what kind of personal life anyone has you dont kill people because of their personal life. If you dont like someones personal life stay away from them. Its just a shame that Matt is not here to defend him self and now their dirty lies trying to make it look like they had a reason is whats left for his Mom to hear. I hope they both never see the light of day again. Matt will be back home with his family soon where he belongs and those two hopefully will live the rest of their lives behind bars where they belong.
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That is not what the detective told me! Would you please stop dragging Matt's name through the mud. You poor people just love lies told about a good person. How sad! In the end we still won't know everything that happened. The only side we hear is from the two arrested for his murder! Even if they're convicted, we still only heard one side - the side that did the wrong! Killed someone.............MY SON.
Mame, I am so sorry that you lost your son. If I were you in your shoes I would be devistated as well. I am truly sorry for the pain you feel.
but that does not change what the truth is. Sexual conduct with a child is WRONG. Killing you son was wrong, but it is the harsh reality.
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PS to Truthwillsetufree: Can you tell us all why Jose had been in jail before? Can you tell us why they both have been in and out of foster homes?
Sir: Then stop writting that those boys are monsters...they are children. Let the court and god judge the children. again, iam sorry for your loss, truly. Let this page be JUST about Matt then...stop commenting about how you want them to burn, that is horrible. I will respect your wishes if you respect mine! Stop commenting about the kids.
BOTH "boys" are being tried as ADULTS. That means they are not children. Oh and I see how quickly you answered all the questions asked.
I'll be nice. No more, as long as you honor his family, friends and students request. We want to mourn in peace.
This is not tat for tat, Just Stop this, haven't you been reading these postive e-mails???? This is not where we need to hold court, this page is about my family's good friend and teacher, Mr. Matthew Cox, and Matt's FAMILY.
NOT about the young MEN that are on trial, save this for the trial not for the mourning of A Kind Man that is the Victim.
I just rec'd a few e-mails and they know of our friend and these other friends of ours are trying to give a postive out look.
Worry looks around; Sorry looks back; Faith looks up...
Please go to this e-mail spot and read it all the way to the end...
Charles Schultz Philosophy.com
(this is the creator of peanuts) His Philosophy is so true. JUST Read enless your to scared!
CharlesSchultzPhilosophy.com
When I think of Mr Cox I remember when we working on the set for Grease. Some of the guys had rolled the car onto the stage. He grabbed my shoulders and yeld, "We have a car on my stage!!". Then he laughed that contagous laugh of his. I think that was one of our best productions. Or was it Oliver? maybe Music Man? how about Guys and Dolls? Oh I know The King and I. What ever your favorite we had a wonderful time and great memories. We will miss you Mr Cox, you created a wonderful choir program here at Hopkins.
NOW that is what I'm talking about, thank you musical mom.
All positive message about Mr. Matthew Cox.
Why is it that when one dies, those left on this earth are only supposed to say "positive" messages about that individual?
This is an open forum designed to discuss issues relevant to our society. To limit the discussion to only "positive" messages about Mr. Matthew Cox is nothing short of censorship.
The truth is that these two troubled, unstable young men senselessly killed a choir teacher. It has been substantiated that Mr. Cox did abruptly leave having dinner with a friend to pick up these two young men to watch movies at his house. This teacher crossed the line, and he paid for this mistake with his life. All of these facts do not negate the fact that Mr. Cox was a beloved music teacher to numerous students throughout the past 10 years. The facts surrounding his death do not negate the fact that Matthew Cox has a wonderful family who will dearly miss him and are mourning daily.
I believe that people should continue to use this forum to comment their thoughts and feelings regarding this senseless death.
Matt-
This is your cousin Jesica. It has been a while since we talked or seen each other, but you have always been in my heart. I will miss you, and will always love you. I was reading all the things that have been wrote on here from your friends and I am amazed on how much you truly touched peoples lives and made them smile. I remember having christmas and other holidays over at grandma cox's house with your mom and dad and kristen, those times I will forever hold close. Your dad needs you and the other angels to watch over your sister and him. We all have been so impacted by your senseless death. I am sorry I didnt make it to your funeral, but I got sick and it was a long drive being sick, but I havent stopped thinking about you or praying for your justice. I love you matt, You will never be forgotten.
love jes
Ms. Julia40, at this time before we even put Matt into the cold ground, people need to mourn people with happy thoughts not negative, put yourself in his family and friends position would like your sons name smeared like I have been reading, may God bless you, that you may never go through anything like this.
The only people that truly know what happened is Mr. Matthew Cox, the two young Men and the young Men's mother and we all know that Matt can't tell us because the three individuals have taken his voice along with his LIFE.
I'm not trying to censor anyone, I guess I'm trying to teach people human kindness while the family and friends were trying to mourn and make since out of this murder, but you can't teach give a s???!
I agree with musicislife when he asked question of truthwillsetufree, about 13 messages above, answer the questions if you're going to have negative response on a Man's charter.
I have just came from Matt's funeral it was very nice about 300 or more people came and I was very sad to say goodbye to Matthew Cox.
So go ahead and write what you will, because I will know longer be looking at this web site after today.
Thank you for all the positive things that people have written on Matthew Cox's behalf.
Thank you sags for everything. I'm so glad you made it today. Matt was proud of your son. After helping him, your son is now in the Air Force, married and has a baby. Wonderful! I'm so glad I've had the pleasure of seeing your son several times. I hope you will continue keeping in touch with me.
Matt wasn't pushy. If someone didn't care or wasn't intested in what he had to say, Matt did decide, fine. That person had a choice. Matt was there for anyone to get in touch with him if they wanted. The people that did get in touch with him, Matt was there. He's truly always been a joy. He will be missed greatly. Matt was calling one of us here at home nearly every day to tell us what was going on. He came home every year to be with us for Christmas and on his birthday. Then he went up to Kalamazoo and Hopkins to see the people that kept in touch with him from there.
His day is done. I hope what Kristin and I have given him would have made him proud. Thank you all for coming. Phi Mu Alpha and VII, I thank you so much. Remembering your stay, VII, before going to Epcot Center with Matt, Kristin and I will never forget. I hope you will keep in touch. Matt will forever be in our hearts as I know he will be in a lot of yours. The important thing is, he made a difference in so many of your lives. Never forget him, please. Pass on what you can of what he's taught you. If you were not accepted for whatever reason, Matt noticed that for some reason. He tried to help you. So thank you on speaking out and saying what a difference he made for you. As Matt is the one who matters here. His life was taken far too early! THANK YOU
SAGS 'eloquently' writes, "I'm not trying to censor anyone, I guess I'm trying to teach people human kindness while the family and friends were trying to mourn and make since (SENSE) out of this murder, but you can't teach give a s???! "
Gee, you sound like an angry individual. This sort of speech does not honor Matthew's memory.
You completely missed the point of what I said, but since you won't be visiting this blog anymore you'll never "get the point."
Mr. Matthew Cox was a fine, dedicated choral music educator. He touched many lives in such positive ways during his short life here on earth. The pain and sorrow of his family has got to be so deep. I feel for his mother, sister, and the rest of his family.
One of my main points was to allow others to express their feelings and opinions in an open forum, not judging others, which obviously you have done.
Matt made a difference in many people's lives. He will forever be in many hearts as his memory lives on. Perhaps a scholarship could be established in his name at Hopkins HS and Basic HS. This would be positive. Matt would like this.
God bless you, Matthew Cox.
Julia40
You can say what ever you want, the point you were trying to get across is pointless because you do not know the truth. You are trying to make a point on lies that the killers have told so its pointless. The killers and the mother should all 3 be locked up that is the point that needs to be made. You say the teacher crossed the line and he paid for that with his life. Thats bull----. That was a made up story and you have no way of proving it was true. Those two knew exactly what they were gonna do when they went to Matts place that day and no one will ever tell me anything different. After reading all the comments on here and seeing and hearing what i did at the funeral home there is no way Matt would have ever done anything to anyone that would have made them do what those two did to him. Today was a very sad day for every one that knew Matt, but he is home with his family now and that is all that matters. It was a wonderful service and Im sure Matt would think so to.
R.I.P. Matt you will never be forgotten.
Earlier today many of us who are reading this had to say goodbye to a dear friend, a great teacher in and out of the classroom, and a loving son and brother. Matt I will never forget the impressions you have made on my life while you where here with us in person and after in spirit. Your passing has reminded me why my friends and family are so important to me and how some times we can take them for granted. Not only have you touched my life but you have touched the lives of new friends that never had the privelage and honor to know you.
Love Always,
Todd
PS Enjoy the great shopping mall in the sky! :) And let me know if they are not doing something right. I will see what I can do to fix it for you.
I've thought about Mr Cox and his family so much in the past few days, knowing when his funeral was being held, when the visitation was. My thoughts turned to him alot. I remembered all of the ways he impacted my life and how hard this week is going to be.
Tomorrow will be our first day back from winter break, no Mr Cox to talk to, laugh with, listen to. Tuesday we will be performing our choir concert without him there to direct us and lead us. Wednesday is the memorial in his honor. The principal at Basic said that we should expect 2000 or more people to be there. I'm a senior this year and had so much I was looking forward to because of Mr Cox and reading and hearing lies about someone that has done nothing but be there for me and so many other students, parents and family makes me sick. This week will be so hard and I'm sure that there will be alot of crying.
Choir moms, grief counselors, staff and friends will be coming in to help us through the next few days.
We will forever miss you Mr Cox! I hope we make you proud this week and we can show EVERYBODY just what you taught us!!!
Thank you musicislife! Matthew is not even here to defend himself. The only side we here is the side of the two that murdered him. We're supposed to believe a murderer why? You people who knew Matthew know how he really was. I pray that you will continue to stick up for him there in Nevada. Let everyone know what kind of a person he always was. I am unable to be out there I'm sorry to say. I will continue to keep in touch with as many of you as I can. Do well at your concert Tuesday and the memorial Wednesday. Matthew would love you for it, and you know he would definately be proud! He always spoke to me about your concerts and competitions. He was very proud of you. Thank you.
Tomorrow all the angels will be gathered around with matt to watch that concert... He WILL be proud, all of you keep your chins up and keep a smile on your face, Matt is watching and is smiling down with happiness on each one of you.
Matts voice of music CAN still be heard!
haha true colors really do come out!
what is meant by your remark ambergirl? Just curious
ambergirl-Stop! Don't you get it yet? You are trying to defend people who have no defense for what they did. NONE!
Let us honor the man who is worth honoring and remembering. His legacy will live on and he has inspired so many people to go forward and help others to become better. We are still mourning the loss of such an amazing, talented and special man.
Justice will prevail. More and more parents and students are coming forward to stand up in defense of Mr Cox and his reputation and good name.
As a p.s. if any of you hadn't seen or heard, the first court date for Jose Delatorre was postponed until Thursday because MORE names are being added to the complaint. We will be seeing more arrests made and the list of crimes that were committed against Mr Cox has grown.
Ambergirl- Can we please mourn in peace now? Tonight and tomorrow are going to be extemely hard for YOUR peers that you attended Basic with until you graduated last year. Please respect THEIR feelings about the teacher they looked up to and admired for his dedication and for what he brought to their lives. You know that he saw each student as a star and that everyone had a place to shine...even YOU.
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No this teacher did not have a relationship out of the normal with any student. There you go believing what murderers say happened. You don't know the teacher nor do you know his history of helping students for years with NO abnormal contact whatsoever. Students and parents alike are speaking out on this one. They knew Matt. Never has there even been a complaint. Because you work with sexually abused children ... what does that have to do with this at all?
I have to back up Mattsmom on this one. Matthew was an amazing teacher who could relate well with his students, but also knew when to draw the line. In the entire time my daughter has been one of his students there has never been even a hint of any kind of inappropriate actions on his part.
Last night the choir students at Basic held their choir concert as planned by their beloved teacher. They received a standing ovation by the audience at the end. These kids have become even closer and their feeling of family has grown. Do you think that if any of them believed any of the trash that has been put out there that they would have still wanted to perform? Do you think that if he hadn't taught them to be leaders that they would have been able to come together and make things happen like they have this week? Even on the first day back from winter break the leaders stepped up and directed the warm-ups and went through the songs. They went to sectionals. Chamber still met for early bird. All of those things were accomplished because of the son Mattsmom raised. He has left a legacy behind with every person who had the honor of knowing him.
God bless Matthew and his family.
Then why did his friends tell police he had an inappropriate relationship with the minor in the later article?
Also, do you think he would tell his mom he was having a relationship with a minor much less a student? Didn't think so.
First, I want to say what a wonderful person Mr. Cox was. He dedicated so much of his time and energy to make the choir program at BHS great. I want to comment on what kylismama wrote. I am in the field of journalism and unfortunately everyone wants to make a dollar. Scandal sells newspapers, always did and unfortunately, always will. How else do you explain the media trying to interview students at BHS? What can a teenager possibly have to say about the case and what credibility would some random kids say. There is a difference between opinion, heresay and fact. I think some lawyer is putting a spin on this to get some sympathy for a couple of murderers. Unfortunately, the responsible journalism cannot always be expected.
I have been following this story since my nephew found out that his choir teacher had died, I have spent countless hours on the computer reading every article and watching every story out there about matt. I have been on this site everyday reading the new comments and the ignorance of some of the people on this site have to say. and after seeing kylismama08's comments I finally got tired of it and have decided to speak up. Evidently you don't know much about matt or read up too much about this story. I found a article referring to what you were saying above:
" why did his friend tell police that he had an inappropriate relationship with there minor in the later article?"
never did she say anything about an " inappropriate" relationship. she said a relationship with the student. relationship does not mean sexual! in one of the articles I found a comment from her referring to that. this friend Jamie said: " never did I say that matt had any inappropriate or sexual relationship with this student. he would have never crossed those boundaries." she also said " that her words were twisted and that was not what she said or implied" as soon as I find the article again I will post a link.
Do you believe everything that people say especially coming from a kid who was in and out of the judicial system and kicked out of all schools near his home( that is why he was going to basic when he lived way out on steward) raised in such a bad home that he was in and out of foster homes all the time. THESE ARE THE REAL FACTS! using common sense here and all the information given its easy to see what we have here. a young very trouble boy who allot of other people had finally given up on, who didn't have many choices left for him since he had decided for what ever reason not use them wisely when a very honorable man came into his life just in time to help him get back on track before it was too late, giving him chances and other things no one else was willing to do for him, a man who was willing to go the extra mile for a troubled child that others were not willing to do no matter the outcome. many say that is other peoples jobs. he didn't see it that way. he was willing to do what ever it took to see another child succeed. Its what he lived for. Picking him up every morning to make sure he got to school, mentoring him, keeping him out of trouble by doing things with him anything to let him know that some one really did care and that there is educators out there that really do care about there students and not just a pay check. This boys brother comes back to town and for what ever reason he decided to make more bad choices. They saw a "sucker" that they could take advantage of and used "his sexual orientation" as an excuse for their crime. They say it takes a village to raise a child and he was trying to do his part. I could keep going on about the facts but I will leave it at this. If he did what they say he did why did he go back down stairs continue to play video games then took a ride from matt waited till he was safely back home where he could have stepped out of the car and turn him in but instead decided to steal his last breath hog tie him drive back across town and rob him. Its stupid, it doesn't make since and one more thing: IF THEY DIDN'T MEAN TO HURT HIM, AND JUST WANTED TO ROB HIM, WHY NOT WAIT A COUPLE MORE HOURS TILL HE WAS THOUSANDS OF MILES AWAY AND ROB HIM?
To those who want to believe the lies that the confessed murderers have told about our beloved Matthew Cox:
Go to this url. Watch the video, listen to the songs, look at the pictures of his students, family, friends and collegues and then tell me that you can believe anything those two men claimed.
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/jan...
There are more interviews and more pictures online that are all about Matt and the great impact he had on everyone he came in contact with. When you look at the faces of his precious choir students that lost him, you can tell how much he was loved, looked up to and how much he will be missed. Those same faces are a testament of the fact that he never crossed any lines and he was held in such high esteem.
If you look at the pictures of Matthew there is a glow about him and that is because he radiated a genuine love and compassion towards everyone he came in contact with. If you look into your heart and you look into the eyes of Matthew, his students, his family, his friends, his collegues, you will no longer be able to deny the truth. Those two men robbed us all of someone so precious and special.
If after you have read and seen everything and you still want to blame Matthew, all I can say is shame on you. Those of you that personally know the two men who murdered Mr Cox know they have lied to you. Please don't try to excuse their actions because of their backgrounds. Millions of people come from worse backgrounds and still are able to turn their lives around and make something of themselves.
We will always miss Matthew and now we need to make sure that justice is done. If there is anyone who would like to stand up for Matt and testify of his integrity and his life, there is a growing list and those names and numbers are being given to the detective in charge of the case. His voice will be heard.
One of the news videos from last night:
http://www.fox5vegas.com/news/18435341/d...
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Well said alabama mama and shanaMo! Matt did nothing wrong but invests his time into trying to save a kid. Unfortunately, I have seen too many teachers trying to go above and beyond to help with no results. After what happened to Matt, I know that I am personally not going to get involved anymore, I feel sad about it but I am not going to risk my life. This horrible incident put a lot of things in perspective for me and personally, I am going to put in my time and leave, I cannot care anymore. The attempt to tarnish Matt's legacy is pathetic, maybe those who are trying to do that should step into his shoes and deal with some of these emotionally disturbed individuals.
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Judgemental? Who's being judgemental now? You know the murderers and because you think they're nice that they're sorry? I lost a son here. He was asked by professional people to help the 17 year old. My son helped the student as he has with many other students. No he didn't have the relationship the paper said he did. Nowhere in the police report does it say that! Papers have printed lies stating friends comments they never made. Jamie never said the things that papers have printed she did. She's tried to get that straitened out several times. The fact remains I wouldn't want to know someone who choked another person for 10 minutes then said he didn't mean to kill him. How would you feel if someone you truly loved was taken from you by someone who said he only wanted to rob him. A teacher? We all know how teachers are underpaid as it is. My son didn't even own much. Most of the things taken wasn't even his! Talk to the people and kids of Hopkins, Michigan, where Matt taught for 8 years. Talk to the choir kids and parents who have known him for the 2 1/2 years he's been in Henderson. See what a difference he made for those people. He was a good person and the effects his death has made shows that. I do hope the parents and kids continue to speak out for Matt as he can't for himself. I pray for justice!
I ALSO PRAY FOR JUSTICE! i am not just saying that these brothers are sorry just because i know them or think they are nice, no i wrote that because i KNOW they ARE sorry!!! i have talked to them and i know that what they did has no excuse, but all they want is for god to forgive them and make them better people so that they can help those who have problems and prevent this from ever happening again ! and i am TRULY sorry for your loss! i do know what it is like to loss someone you love and have cared for your whole life!
if you really believe that these brothers are so bad and are'nt sorry, please try and get to know them, and tell them in person what you feel, and how much they hurt you! before you judge them! and if you really believe your son is so great which i dont doubt, and was helping them, then why dont you consider following in his footsteps, the way he would have continued to, i know you might not like the idea, but this would continue on to your sons legacy. listen to them, talk to them, get to know them, and see what was going on in there minds, and maybe you can do what your son had done so far and help them. and maybe one day you might be able to also forgive them!
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