‘He Made Me Do It’ Part 6: A Journey to the Unknown

This series discusses sexual assault, trafficking, and suicide. Please read and watch with care.

In the early morning hours of July 16, 2022, a U-Haul rental truck connected to an armed robbery in Arizona became the focus of a dramatic police chase in Southern California. The vehicle, identifiable by its distinct white and orange decals, drew the attention of officers after a traffic violation. The driver, however, refused to pull over, leading police on a high-speed pursuit through Orange County.

After more than an hour on the road, officers successfully flattened the U-Haul’s tires, forcing it to halt. As police surrounded the vehicle, the apprehensive driver and a visibly distressed female passenger were confronted.

Helen Simmons, a recent acquaintance of the driver, Matthew Jones, felt her nightmare worsen as the chase unfolded. Their connection began on a dating app mere weeks before the incident, leading to a harrowing intersection of crime, fear, and legal consequences.

Fueled by panic, Simmons faced an unclear status: was she a victim, a suspect, or both?

As investigators pieced together a timeline, they focused on a harrowing event that took place just four days before the chase. On July 12, in Anthem, Arizona, two masked assailants entered Andrew Z Diamonds & Fine Jewelry moments before closing, wielding a firearm and a hammer. They threatened staff while one attacker shot the jeweler multiple times, forcing him into a desperate fight for survival.

The robbery lasted a mere 22 seconds. Miraculously, the jeweler survived, but the incident left lasting scars on the community, sparking a wave of fear and injured trust. Community member Joe Alvarez voiced his concerns about the randomness of the attack and its implications for local safety.

The investigation into the robbery led authorities to focus on a U-Haul, presumed to be linked to the assailants. Days later, the duo inside that U-Haul in California matched the descriptions of the suspects involved in the jewelry store crime.

Following their arrest, evidence found in the U-Haul confirmed the police’s suspicions. It contained a motorcycle, black clothing, helmets, and a hammer, further solidifying the connection to the violent crime in Arizona. Joe Alvarez expressed a sigh of relief, believing the suspects would not pose a threat to the community again.

As news of the arrest spread, Helen Simmons’ situation began to unravel. Her confession to police revealed a story filled with trauma, coercion, and violence—a tale of survival intertwined with desperate and unlawful choices. Just weeks into her relationship with Matthew Jones, she found herself ensnared in a world of manipulation and fear.

Unbeknownst to Helen, her life would be forever altered by her brief association with Jones. After their arrest, she reached out to police, determined to share her harrowing experience.

At 18, Helen had plans to attend Arizona State University, eager to start a new chapter in her life. However, her path took a dark turn as she recounted her journey from Vermont to Arizona, where she swiftly fell under Jones’ influence.

Family members described her as bright and creative, unaware of her struggles with emotional trauma stemming from her parents’ divorce and subsequent teenage upheaval.

Early interactions with Jones painted a false picture; he appeared charming and sweet, luring her into an increasingly controlling relationship. As days passed, Helen’s world shrank under the weight of his demands. She found herself staying overnight with him, quickly losing contact with her support system.

Then came the fateful decision to commit robbery. Helen claimed that under duress, coerced by threats of violence against her and her loved ones, she participated in the jewelry heist. Her allegations of trafficking and domestic violence began to surface during police interrogations, complicating her position as both a suspect and a possible victim.

As investigations unfolded, it became evident that Jones exhibited controlling behavior, dictating every aspect of her life—from what she ate to whom she met. As Helen navigated her turbulent reality, her attempts to escape were met with increasing violence.

On the eve of the robbery, she suffered abuse that left visible scars, yet her pleas for help were often thwarted. Friends and family were unaware of her plight until it was too late.

In California, during one interview, a Huntington Beach officer remarked, “We were told that you’re a victim of human trafficking.” This unusual turn of events showcased the complexities of her case, raising questions about how society views victims within the criminal justice system.

As detectives from Arizona arrived, Helen’s narrative began to shift. She was soon positioned as not just a suspect but also a victim of a crime that ensnared her in a web of fear and manipulation.

Yet, despite her harrowing accounts to the authorities, the criminal justice system grappled with defining her role. Helen’s desperate cries for help echoed in the sterile interrogation room, highlighting the gray area between victimization and culpability.

The investigation continued to unravel layers of trauma—details of her mental and emotional state emerged through interviews with police, revealing a young woman at the mercy of a manipulative partner.