In a disturbing case that has shocked the internet and reignited conversations about domestic violence and child safety, Matthew Jashon Williams, a 25-year-old Virginia man and convicted felon, has been arrested and hit with multiple felony charges after allegedly pointing a gun at his young son’s head during a FaceTime call with the boy’s mother.
The horrifying incident reportedly took place on April 20 at a residence on Ingram Avenue in Richmond, Virginia—and it was all captured in a chilling photo that’s now circulating online.
Mother Calls 911 After Watching Threat in Real Time
According to Richmond police and court documents obtained by TMZ, the child’s mother made a frantic 911 call after witnessing the traumatic moment unfold on her phone screen. She claims that while on a video call with Williams, he threatened to kill both her and their child, pointing a silver semi-automatic handgun directly at the young boy’s head.
The photo obtained by authorities paints a terrifying picture: the child, visibly terrified, is seen grabbing the barrel of the handgun as it’s pressed against his head.
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“She watched in real time as the unthinkable happened,” said a police source familiar with the investigation.
Police Respond to Chaotic Scene
Richmond officers responded swiftly to the scene the same night. When they arrived, Williams was reportedly uncooperative, refusing to comply with police orders. Dressed only in boxers and socks, he was ultimately subdued and taken into custody without further incident.
Cache of Dangerous Weapons Found in Home
Police obtained a search warrant and uncovered a disturbing arsenal of firearms and ammunition inside Williams’ home, including:
- A Taurus 1911 Commander semi-automatic pistol
- A Micro Draco pistol
- A Stevens breech-loading rifle
- A Pachmayr breech-loading shotgun
- An F.lli Pietta revolver
- Assorted live ammunition
Williams, already a convicted felon, is legally prohibited from possessing any firearms. His previous convictions include felony burglary and misdemeanor vehicle tampering.
Serious Charges Filed
Williams has been charged with the following:
- Attempted first-degree murder
- Child abuse
- Use of a firearm in the commission of a felony
- Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
He is currently being held without bail at the Richmond City Jail and is scheduled for a jury trial on August 25.
“The charges reflect the seriousness of the threat to the child’s life,” said an official from the Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.
Public Outrage and Social Media Reaction
The image and details of the incident have quickly gone viral across platforms like Twitter (X), Instagram, and TikTok, with many calling for stricter gun laws, better domestic violence protections, and mandatory mental health evaluations in custody battles.
“This child will never forget this moment,” one user tweeted.
“Where was the system before it got this far?” another added.
The case has also drawn the attention of child advocacy groups, who are urging the public and lawmakers to prioritize safety and accountability in family court and law enforcement protocols.
Attorney Yet to Speak
TMZ reached out to Williams’ legal representative for comment, but as of now, no public statement has been made in his defense.
A Wake-Up Call for Domestic Violence Prevention
While this case is still unfolding, it has already become a grim reminder of how domestic disputes can escalate into life-threatening scenarios, particularly when children are involved.
Experts urge anyone experiencing domestic violence or threats to seek help immediately. If you or someone you know is in danger, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
Your Turn: What Should Be Done?
This tragic and horrifying moment has sparked conversations online and offline about gun safety, domestic abuse, and the system’s role in protecting children.
What are your thoughts on this story? Should courts do more to prevent these incidents before they happen?
Sound off in the comments and stay tuned for more updates on this developing case.
