Three Dead in Cincinnati Standoff After Suspect Barricades Inside Home
CINCINNATI, OH – A morning disturbance call to a College Hill home on Springbrook Drive revealed a tragic scene, as Cincinnati Police discovered three individuals dead inside the residence. Authorities say the grim discovery came after an hours-long standoff with a man who barricaded himself in the home. Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge confirmed the victims’ identities as 78-year-old Patricia McCollum, 32-year-old DJ McCollum, and 11-year-old Kaydence McCollum. All three are believed to have died from fatal stab wounds.
The initial police response was prompted by a call reporting “unknown trouble” around 8:30 a.m. on Thursday. When officers arrived at the residence, they encountered information that a man, reportedly armed with a knife, was inside the home. Lt. Jonathan Cunningham explained that attempts were made to approach the situation, but the armed man retreated, prompting officers to call in the SWAT team for backup. Chief Theetge later confirmed that efforts to negotiate continued for hours before the tactical team finally made the decision to enter the premises.
Upon entry, police found the three victims deceased, apparently from stab wounds. The suspect, 66-year-old Anthony Mathis, was discovered alive but severely injured from what police describe as self-inflicted knife wounds. He was rushed to UC Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Chief Theetge did not immediately confirm if the victims and Mathis were related, leaving many questions unanswered as authorities continue their investigation.
The McCollum family’s story has touched the hearts of the Cincinnati community. Patricia McCollum, a dedicated foster mother who had legally adopted DJ McCollum, was known for her fierce dedication to her family. The Cincinnati Enquirer reported that Patricia and DJ shared a special bond, with Patricia famously saying in 2012, “Either I die first, or he does. I will never separate from him.” DJ McCollum was living with disabilities, which brought him closer to Patricia as she became his primary caretaker, friend, and constant support. Their connection was seen as an inspiring testament to commitment in the face of adversity.
Adding to the tragedy, 11-year-old Kaydence McCollum, who attended Parker Woods Montessori School, has been remembered as a bright young student. Cincinnati Public Schools confirmed Kaydence’s enrollment and expressed condolences to the family, with district officials saying, “We recognize this tragic event, and our sympathy and support remain with the family, friends, and school community.” School officials announced that the District’s Crisis Response Team would be present at Parker Woods Montessori School to provide counseling and support to students and staff affected by the news.
Law enforcement officials have remained tight-lipped about potential motives, but Chief Theetge emphasized the seriousness of the investigation as forensic experts comb the scene and detectives work to piece together the sequence of events. This devastating incident is only the latest to affect the Cincinnati area, where police have recently highlighted growing concerns about domestic violence, mental health crises, and the impact these issues have on families.
In a related incident, Cincinnati police recently issued a report detailing a rise in cases involving domestic disputes. While unrelated, this pattern has prompted officials to advocate for mental health resources and support services for individuals experiencing crisis situations. Theetge’s statement reflects this growing need, as she acknowledged the difficulties officers face in responding to cases involving armed and potentially mentally unstable individuals within private residences.
Anthony Mathis, the suspect, has no known criminal record in Ohio. As police dig deeper into his background, they hope to uncover details that may explain what led to the violent escalation. Without further insight into the relationships between Mathis and the McCollum family, the community is left with lingering questions and a collective sense of grief.
As Cincinnati grapples with this shocking event, the McCollum family will be mourned by those who knew them, as well as by a community struck by the senselessness of their deaths. Family and friends are expected to gather in the coming days to remember the lives of Patricia, DJ, and Kaydence, whose family bond and shared resilience were admired by many. Meanwhile, Cincinnati police continue their work, vowing to uncover the full story behind this tragedy to bring some level of closure to a shaken community.
This tragic incident has reignited conversations around public safety, mental health, and community support, emphasizing the importance of both vigilance and compassion as cities nationwide face similar challenges. The Cincinnati Police Department encourages anyone with further information to come forward as they seek to provide answers to a community left in mourning.
