Any crime resulting in the death of a child is tragic. But the deliberate killing of a child by their parent is unfathomable. Tragically, an Iowa father allegedly planned his five-year-old son’s death for a week before strangling him.
Matthew Gerald Schleier, 45, of Marion, Iowa, is facing serious charges in the death of his son. Jack Matthew Schleier, who was five years old, died at home in October. Matthew allegedly confessed the chilling details of what had happened to him.
The Iowa dad faces murder charges for strangling his son.
The Gazette reported that Matthew was arrested after his son died on October 29. The following day, he was charged with first-degree murder during his initial appearance in Linn County District Court. According to the publication, Matthew “showed no visible emotion” and looked “straight ahead” while wearing a padded vest during his video appearance from Linn County Jail.
On Oct. 29, police responded to a call about an unresponsive child.
Marion Police responded to reports of an unresponsive child around 6 a.m. on October 29, according to The Gazette. According to the criminal complaint, the 5-year-old “wasn’t breathing and was warm to the touch,” prompting Marion Fire Department medics to initiate lifesaving measures. Furthermore, the victim’s mother, Victoria Schleier, told paramedics, “His dad strangled him.”
Jack was transported to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead. Medical staff determined that the bruises on his neck were consistent with strangulation.
Matthew Schleier allegedly confessed to police.
While speaking with police, Matthew allegedly admitted to killing his son. He allegedly said he considered using a knife to kill Jack. Police later discovered knives in the home and are reportedly using the weapons as evidence that the killing was premeditated, according to KCRG.
Allegedly, he plotted the killing for a week.
Not only did the killing appear premeditated, but Matthew allegedly told police that he had planned his crime for a week. Matthew claimed that the night before he allegedly murdered his son, he spent the majority of the night planning how to do so. Police did not provide a motive for the crime.
Schleier is being held on a $1 million cash-only bail.
According to KCRG, Matthew was currently being held on a $1 million cash-only bail. A GoFundMe page was set up for Jack’s family.
“This boy left behind a grieving mother and many other close family members,” said Linn County Attorney Nick Maybanks to The Gazette. “Our hearts go out to them following this shocking and devastating loss. Nobody should ever have to face the loss of a child.
The pain must be unbearable. I would like to request that their family be given privacy and respect as they deal with this tragedy.
