In Shawnee, Kansas, a youth pastor has been taken into custody after allegations arose of him stabbing his wife and five children, then setting their home on fire. 

Matthew Lee Richards is now facing multiple charges. The Shawnee Police Department has disclosed these charges as five counts of attempted murder and one count of aggravated arson that poses a potential risk of bodily harm.

Fire services and other emergency responders in Shawnee were summoned to the scene early in the morning on September 16, at approximately 3:47 am. Their immediate focus was on managing a fire in the home’s basement. As a result of this incident, seven individuals, inclusive of Richards, required medical attention.

Details from the police suggest that among the injured were Richards’ wife, their adult child aged 19, and four other younger kids. Lacerations were noted on all individuals with the exception of Richards. Following medical care, the adult child along with two younger ones were discharged, but the rest are still hospitalized.

Richards had been associated with the Crossroads Christian Church in Shawnee as a youth pastor since the year 2016. The church’s data about him indicates he’s been married for two decades, since 2003. An interesting note from his personal details mentions a family motto about their collective love for God, people, and sporting activities.

The church’s leader, Kurt Witten, took to Facebook to communicate on this sensitive issue. He acknowledged the church’s cognizance of what occurred with Richards. While urging respect for the ongoing investigation, he also asked for prayers directed towards the Richards family. An administrative decision was made by the church to halt its upcoming online Sunday services.

Local residents who lived near the Richards shared their astonishment at the recent happenings, reminiscing about past moments spent with the family. In addition to his church role, Richards is known in the community for his position as a 7th-grade English educator at Christ Prep Academy. His teaching career has also seen him undertake roles in Austria and Dallas.

As of now, Matthew Lee Richards is in custody at the Johnson County Jail. His bond has been set at a sum of $5 million. An arraignment process occurred on Monday, September 18. The reasons behind this grim incident remain undisclosed by the police.