Any crime involving the death of a child is a tragedy. But the deliberate killing of a child at the hands of their parent is unfathomable. Tragically, an Iowa dad allegedly plotted his 5-year-old son’s death for a week before strangling him.
Matthew Gerald Schleier, 45, of Marion, Iowa, faces serious charges following the death of his son. In October, Jack Matthew Schleier, 5, died in his home. Allegedly, the father confessed the chilling details of what happened to his boy.
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The Iowa dad faces murder charges in his son's death by strangulation.
Matthew Schleier was arrested following his son’s death on October 29, the Cedar Rapids Gazette reported. The next day, he was charged with first-degree murder during an initial appearance at Linn County District Court. According to the newspaper, Matthew Schleier “showed no visible emotion” and looked “straight ahead” while wearing a padded vest during the video appearance from Linn County Jail.
Police responded to a call about an unresponsive child.
About 6 a.m. October 29, officers with the Marion Police Department responded to reports of an unresponsive child, according to police, per the Gazette. The 5-year-old “wasn’t breathing and was warm to the touch,” according to a criminal complaint, and Marion Fire Department medics started lifesaving measures. Additionally, the victim’s mother, Victoria Schleier, told paramedics, “His dad strangled him.”
Jack Schleier was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Bruising on his neck was consistent with strangulation, according to medical staff.
Matthew Schleier reportedly confessed to police.
While speaking with police, he allegedly confessed to killing his son. He said he thought about using a knife to kill Jack. Police later discovered knives at the home, and they are reportedly using the weapons as evidence the killing was premeditated, KCRG reported.
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Allegedly, he planned the killing for a week.
Not only was the killing seemingly premeditated, but Matthew Schleier reportedly told police he had plotted his crime for a week. The night before he allegedly murdered his son, Matthew Schleier said he stayed awake most of the night thinking about how to do it. Police did not share a motive for the crime.
Matthew Schleier is being held on a $1 million cash-only bail.
Matthew was held on a $1 million cash-only bail, KCRG reported. A GoFundMe account was organized for Jack’s family, and it has raised more than $80,000 thus far.
“This boy left behind a grieving mother and many other close family members,” Linn County Attorney Nick Maybanks told the Gazette in another interview. “Our hearts go out to them after suffering this shocking and devastating loss. Nobody should ever have to endure the loss of a child. The pain has to be unimaginable. I would ask that their family be given privacy and respect while they deal with this tragedy.”
