CHESTERFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A man has been charged in connection with the attempted murder-suicide that left a WWJ radio anchor dead and three others injured in Macomb County.
The attack happened around noon Friday (Sept. 23) in the 33000 block of Bayview Drive at the Hidden Harbor condo complex near Jefferson Avenue and Hooker Road in Chesterfield Township.
Police said Arthur Levan Williamson, 55, of Pontiac, went to the Chesterfield Township home of Jim David Nicolai, 57, who used the name Jim Matthews while working as an overnight news anchor for WWJ 950.
Nicolai, his 35-year-old girlfriend, and their two children all lived at the condo. Williamson was welcomed as a guest into the home sometime overnight before Nicolai returned around 6 a.m., police said.
At some point between 6 a.m. and noon, Williamson started to attack the family with a hammer, authorities believe.
Nicolai’s girlfriend and their 5-year-old daughter escaped the condo during the attack and flagged down a car for help. When police arrived, they found Nicolai dead from blunt force trauma injuries, according to officials.
Nicolai’s 10-year-old son was found tied up inside a closet with serious head injuries. He had been “left for dead” after he tried to fight off Williamson while his father was being attacked, according to police. He underwent ear and brain surgery and remains in critical condition, but is stable.
The 35-year-old woman was found outside with stab wounds all over her body. She was taken to the hospital in critical condition, but has been upgraded to stable. She is being held for observation.
Her daughter was treated at the hospital and released, police said.
Williamson was found in the basement of the home with self-inflicted injuries, officials said. He had also overdosed, but survived. Officials treated him at the scene and then took him to a nearby hospital.
Williamson appeared virtually for his arraignment on Monday afternoon. He is charged with first-degree murder, premeditated murder, two counts of assault with intent to murder, and three counts of unlawful imprisonment.
A probable cause conference is scheduled for 9 a.m. Oct. 5. A preliminary examination is scheduled for 9 a.m. Oct. 12.
The motive for the attack is still being investigated. Police are calling this a “domestic issue.”
You can watch the full arraignment below.
Here is the full police update from Monday afternoon: