I know my son deep down. I know what he's accomplished and worked so hard for all his life. Matt never would have done anything to ruin his carreer. I've known him for almost 33 years! Yes, I've been close to Matthew all his life. Matt doesn't even get to tell his side of the story so let's not talk about sides here.
Juan has got such a reputation of telling lies it's not funny. To his friends, family and yes even you, Juan has lied so much no one knows when he's telling the truth. So how is he going to say anything believable here? He had friends feeling sorry for him because, according to Juan, he didn't have anyplace to live. At the time, he did but Juan didn't want to follow rules. Matt was even trying to find someplace where Juan could live. Matt was asked by Juan's social worker to mentor Juan. To help him. Juan started skipping school, letting his grades fall and running away. Matt has nothing to do with that. I do know Matt was thinking about pulling out. Yes, stop helping Juan because Juan didn't care! Matt was going to start up a band with another student. This other student did care about his own future where Juan didn't. I know Juan has been in trouble and kicked out of schools before. Jose has been in jail how many times! We're supposed to feel sorry for who? Matt even had to take Juan to school and to work using his own gas money. What is that? You, I'm sorry to say, don't know much about the entire situation. Maybe you should stop and think about all the kids in Nevada and Michigan alike who have gotten help from Matt. I have received so many letters and cards from students and parents alike. Yes, you, Nina, don't have any idea about what happened. Like the rest of us, unfortunately, you will never know. You see, Matt doesn't get to tell his side. According to you we're supposed to believe one side, Juan and Jose's? There are too many missing puzzle pieces to this. I was told that I will never know what really happened to my son!

Well, dbltrbl, Matthew was asked by the student's social worker if he would mentor the student. Yes, teachers do things for students outside of class. This student was obviously too much for the social worker and she asked Matt to help. It's really sad all of the comments (negative) towards Matt (the victim) when the person writing it doesn't even know the facts. Starting with the big fact. Only one side of this whole thing is heard. The murderers! We don't even get the pleasure of hearing what Matt has to say about it. The brothers are known to be liars even to their friends and family. So let's see! They do something to a person who is so loved by so many. Never has a bad word ever been spoken about Matt. What does everyone think the brothers will do. What they are excellent and experienced doing. LIE!!!!!!!!!!!

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?

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.

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

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.

Please send comments for Matthew here for all to share instead of sending them to my picture email. Thanks

For anyone wanting to send Matt flowers. I know it may sound funny but please no carnations. That's from his little sister.

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.

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