Man Shot Dead After Allegedly Attempting Kidnap of Woman and Baby, Brother Claims He Was Unarmed

PEORIA, Ariz. — Matthew Cardon, a 43-year-old man shot and killed by police on Thursday night, is being remembered by his family for his loyalty and kindness amidst his mental health struggles. His brother, Andrew Cardon, described Matthew as a loving person, who sought to regain stability in his life, particularly in his nursing career.

“That’s the best friend I ever had,” Andrew Cardon said, recalling Matthew’s intelligence and sense of humor. “He graduated with a nursing degree and was working to restore his life.” However, he noted that Matthew’s mental health issues had worsened.

Andrew took Matthew into his home after mental illness disrupted his brother’s marriage and career, witnessing the anguish that accompanied his daily life. “He was an amazing father and a wonderful friend,” Andrew shared. “His illness took a painful toll on him.”

Compounding the tragedy, Andrew expressed confusion over the circumstances leading to the shooting. Police stated that Matthew approached a woman with a stroller, prompting fears of an attempted kidnapping. Andrew, however, believes his brother may have been disoriented and confused.

“We think he thought it was his baby during a manic episode,” Andrew explained, acknowledging that in past episodes, Matthew had never harmed anyone. Officers reported that Matthew did not comply with their commands, leading to the fatal police response.

Andrew described a conversation he had with police shortly after the incident, revealing he had called to check on Matthew’s condition. “I asked if he was armed, but they said he wasn’t. I don’t understand the rationale for the shooting,” he said.

Having spoken to his brother shortly before the shooting, Andrew sensed something was off. “He wasn’t okay,” Andrew noted, revealing that both he and other family members had previously requested a welfare check, urging police to admit Matthew for observation.

“Why was he on the street?” Andrew questioned, highlighting a lack of action taken by authorities despite earlier concerns. The tragedy has left him grappling with feelings of loss and frustration. “There’s no way my brother deserved to be shot,” he remarked.

Amidst his grief, Andrew expressed sympathy for the woman and her baby involved in the incident. “My heart goes out to them,” he stated, wishing to convey his family’s sorrow for the distress caused. “We’re sorry they were put in that situation.”