Man who killed nephew in 2025 may have his charge downgraded

The possibility exists that 59-year-old Emmanuel Matthews, charged in December 2025 for allegedly murdering his nephew Brandon Child, may have that charge downgraded to manslaughter.

Child, a Villa man was stabbed and died on December 29,2025 following an altercation at his home over “what to cook” escalated.

Represented by lawyer Ronald Marks, Matthews appeared at the Serious Offences Court on Monday, April 20, 2025. He has been on remand since last December and was yesterday remanded until today, Tuesday, April 21, 2026 when the court is expected to hear if the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) has agreed to downgrade the charge to manslaughter which will open up Matthews to bail.

A family member of Matthews was seen in court awaiting the court’s decision, and is said to be willing to sign as surety if Matthews is granted bail.