Family of man shot, killed by Peoria police says he struggled with mental health

The tragedy surrounding the fatal shooting of an unarmed man by Peoria police has rocked not only his family but also the entire community. The repercussions of this incident are profound, especially when mental health is at the forefront of the discussion.

Matthew Cardon, a 43-year-old man who had been struggling with mental health issues, was shot and killed by Peoria police while allegedly attempting to kidnap a child and attacking a woman. His brother, Andrew Cardon, has come forward to share his grief and to advocate for a better understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with mental health struggles.

Andrew described his brother as a good man—funny, outgoing, and devoted to his family. A registered nurse, Matthew had a promising career ahead of him, but a downward spiral in his mental health led to significant challenges. According to Andrew, Matthew’s struggles with mental illness cost him not only his job but his marriage and friendships, leaving him isolated and in need of support.

Just days before the incident, Peoria police had already been called to help Matthew during a mental health crisis. Andrew recounted a harrowing episode where police picked up his brother after he was found with blood on his face, indicating he was in distress. The family made a plea to the authorities to hold Matthew for 72 hours in the hospital, hoping that an extended period of care would provide him with the stability he needed. Their call for help went seemingly unheard, leading to heartbreaking consequences.

On the night of the shooting, Andrew spoke with Matthew just an hour before the events unfolded. He felt reassured when the conversation concluded, believing his brother was doing okay. However, mere hours later, he received the devastating call informing him that Matthew had been shot and killed by police. The shock was overwhelming—a mixture of sorrow and anger.

Andrew emphasized key points in his narrative that are typically overlooked in reports: the fact that his brother was unarmed and that he had been actively seeking help for his mental health. “What I don’t understand is how you can shoot and kill an unarmed man who is mentally ill, who we have been asking for help in the last week,” he expressed with visible distress. The family’s heartache is palpable, and the quest for answers is now at the forefront of their emotional turmoil.

The incident raises essential questions about the police’s approach to situations involving individuals struggling with mental health issues. It is crucial to consider what alternatives could have been employed. Andrew pondered why law enforcement did not use less lethal means, such as a taser, instead of resorting to fatal force. This incident underscores a systemic issue; law enforcement agencies often find themselves ill-equipped to handle mental health crises, leading to tragic outcomes.

Andrew Cardon holds no animosity towards the victims of his brother’s alleged actions, extending empathy to them in the aftermath of this tragedy. “I want to apologize to that family for what they went through. That must have been horrifying,” he said with tears in his eyes. His ability to empathize despite his own suffering speaks volumes about the love Matthew’s family has for him.

The Cardon family’s plight is increasingly familiar as mental health issues permeate all layers of society. The struggle for better mental health treatment is ongoing, and the need for systemic reform in how law enforcement interacts with individuals facing mental health crises is clear. The family continues to seek answers, both for their loss and for clarity concerning what could have been done differently.

As the investigation unfolds, many questions remain. How will law enforcement reform address these tragedies? What steps can be taken to ensure individuals struggling with mental health receive the proper care without escalating to a confrontation with police? The conversation surrounding mental health is vital, and this case serves as a stark reminder of the real lives at stake.

As Andrew Cardon faces the loss of his brother, he continues his crusade for change and understanding, emphasizing the need for a society that recognizes the complexity of mental health. The community must come together to advocate for better systems of care, ensuring those who are vulnerable can access the help they need without fear of escalation or violence.

This heartbreaking story shines a light on the broader issues surrounding mental health, police interactions, and the importance of compassion in an increasingly complex world. It calls upon all of us to recognize the signs of mental distress in others and to advocate for systemic changes that prioritize understanding and care over fear and aggression.

Matthew Cardon’s life, though cut tragically short, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy and the urgent need for broader societal change regarding mental health awareness and treatment. His family’s courage in discussing their sorrow could pave the way for future dialogues that seek not only to prevent such tragedies but to foster a more compassionate and understanding society.

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