Matthew Taylor Coleman, a California QAnon follower who is accused of killing his two small children with a speargun, is still deemed incompetent to stand trial, according to his attorneys. They have requested multiple extensions for trial deadlines as Coleman is unable to assist in preparing his defense. The upcoming hearing on Feb. 18 is crucial, as the judge has stated that no further extensions will be granted.
Federal authorities have noted little progress in Coleman’s mental health over the past few months. He has exhibited self-harming behavior in federal lockup, including cutting himself with a razor, diving into a toilet, punching himself, and banging his head against the floor. Coleman, who allegedly believed his children had serpent DNA, is now under constant observation and being medicated against his will since May.
Coleman’s family has limited contact with him, and conversations with him are described as incomprehensible and rambling. An unnamed family member expressed concern over his drastic change in behavior, stating that he is not the same person they once knew and loved.
The tragic incident occurred on Aug. 7, 2021, when Coleman took his two children, Kaleo, 2, and Roxy, 10 months, on a trip to Mexico. He allegedly stabbed them with a speargun at a farm, following his belief in the QAnon conspiracy theory. Coleman was arrested upon re-entering the US and charged with two counts of murdering US nationals on foreign soil.
During his arrest, Coleman claimed he was influenced by the QAnon conspiracy theory, believing his children possessed serpent DNA and needed to be eliminated to protect humanity. He made references to “The Matrix” movie, seeing himself as the character Neo and his wife as having serpent DNA.
After the incident, Coleman’s wife, Abby, returned to her home state of Texas, surrounded by her family. While she has not filed for divorce, she is reportedly trying to move forward with her life amidst the tragedy. The family source expressed sadness over the loss Abby has experienced and the challenges she continues to face.
A court-appointed attorney for Coleman did not provide a comment on the case. The next hearing on Feb. 18 will be pivotal in determining the next steps in the legal proceedings surrounding this heartbreaking case.
