Update: Shooter suspect extradited back to Georgia
News February 4, 2021
UPDATE: February 2, 2021
Charles Jason Matheson age 41, has been extradited back to Georgia from Clay County, NC this morning to face charges of Felony Criminal Attempt (to Commit Murder), Felony Aggravated Stalking, and Felony Aggravated Assault. I would personally like to thank all who have assisted in the apprehension of this suspect. – From Towns County Sheriff’s Office.
Later that afternoon, Sheriff Kenneth Henderson escorted Matheson to appear in front of Magistrate Judge David Rogers. Rogers denied bond on all charges and referred the case to Towns County Superior Court.
ORIGINAL STORY:
HIAWASSEE, Ga – Alleged shooter Charles Jason Matheson, 41, appeared in Clay County District Court on January 28 and rejected the waiving of extradition charges.
Matheson is being held in Hayesville on a fugitive warrant until his extradition to Georgia to face criminal charges for allegedly shooting his estranged wife multiple times at her place of work in Hiawassee, Georgia. After, he fled the scene and traveled to the Matheson Cove Road area in Clay County, North Carolina. Clay County Sheriff’s deputies blocked off Matheson Cove Road.
Read more details of the initial incident here.
The shooting suspect’s been appointed an attorney and is currently under a $1 million secured bond. He’s currently charged with aggravated assault in Georgia and a fugitive charge in Clay County.
Georgia officials are in the process of applying for a Governor’s warrant. If issued by Governor Roy Cooper (D-NC) then North Carolina law enforcement can take the fugitive into custody to be picked up by the other state. The individual “might already be in custody not allowed bail or was unable to make bail following his or her initial arrest.”
Arguments against extradition will be heard on February 15.
Survivor Speaks
Matheson’s estranged wife, Crystal Matheson has been recovering after undergoing surgery for her wounds. On Saturday, January 30, she released a statement on social media expressing her gratitude toward the community.
Crystal Matheson
“Hey guys. I have been overwhelmed by the love that has been directed my way. I am blessed beyond measure is the simplest way I know to put it. I have felt your prayers and please keep them coming because I need them. Some of you praying I don’t even know but they are so appreciated. Those of you do know I wouldn’t have ever thought I’d be asking for prayers for a situation like this. It doesn’t seem quite real. I thank God because He is the only reason I am here. It’s not a question or a wonder or a might be. It is simply fact. I am blessed and thankful for every single person who helped from my coworkers, the girls in the doctor’s office, the cops from local to GBI, the EMS and LifeFlight, the ER doctors, and nurses, the trauma team and surgeons and every person I’ve encountered in the hospital. There is no way to make it seem logical…it defies it. I have 8 gunshot wounds. I know I shouldn’t be here but I am. My God is beyond comprehension in His goodness. I am doing my best to keep focused on getting better. It’s hard. It’s not pretty. And some days I’m not as strong as I want to be. I’ve never had pain like I’ve had but at least I’m here. Its slowly easing up some and I am so grateful. I can’t get around I can stand and take a few shuffles steps but it’s a blessing to do that. It wears me out just to do that but I’m determined to keep trying. I have quite a bit of nerve pain issues in one leg. I ask that yall keep praying for me. I pray for pain relief and strength so I can do things a little easier. I ask that you pray for my blood pressure to normalize so that I can work with Physical Therapy and get stronger. I ask you to pray for wounds to heal so I can move around without fear of hurting something more. I’m trying to answer messages. There’s a lot so please bear with me. I love all of you all. You have no idea what you mean to me and my son and my family. Overwhelmed doesn’t even describe it. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Members of the community have organized auctions and GoFundMe accounts to help her pay for her recovery bills. The auction will take place on February 25 and 26.
1 Comment
I know you don’t know me but my name is Mark and I live in Ellijay. I have read first article and all the ones after. Crystal you have been thru alot and I’m so sorry for you. I can’t imagine the pain you have been thru being shot so many times and I can’t imagine the hurt being shot by your own husband. But I can say your headed in right direction for healing. I know because of my own healing when I was not expected to live thru first night. Just keep your eyes on God and he will take you the rest of the way! I know you probably have alot of people praying for you and one more ( me) can’t hurt. Know that God loves you and can make you better both physically and mentally. Just keep him in your heart and the pain and the hurt will get better and you will be ready to chase around all those sick people again. I will keep you in my prayers for quick and speedy recovery. God bless you and he loves you!