Dark Plot Exposed: 17-Year-Old and His Lover Planned to Kill Four Family Members for Inheritance

Byline: By Sarah Mitchell | Northern Michigan — October 14, 2025

Police in northern Michigan have arrested a 17-year-old adopted boy and his 18-year-old girlfriend after uncovering an alleged plan to murder four members of his adoptive family in order to seize their wealth. Investigators say the teenager, identified only as Jacob M., meticulously outlined the plot in text messages and handwritten notes discovered on his phone, detailing how he and his girlfriend intended to carry out the attack and escape with cash and jewelry from the family home.

Authorities describe the scheme as “cold and calculated,” calling it one of the most disturbing cases of premeditated violence involving minors in recent years. The suspects are currently being held without bail as prosecutors prepare to charge them with conspiracy to commit murder, armed robbery, and attempted homicide.

The Discovery of a Sinister Plan

The case came to light late Friday night after Jacob’s adoptive mother, Linda Matthews, found a suspicious notebook hidden in his bedroom while cleaning. Inside were sketches of the family home, timelines, and a list labeled “targets” — including Linda, her husband Robert Matthews, and their two teenage daughters.

When she turned the notebook over to police, detectives obtained a warrant to search Jacob’s phone. What they discovered, investigators said, “confirmed the worst.”

“There were hundreds of messages between the suspect and his girlfriend,” said Detective Brian Keller of the Michigan State Police. “They discussed specific methods, how to disable cameras, and even what time to strike when the parents were asleep. It was chilling — like reading a movie script for a crime that hadn’t happened yet.”

Authorities say the couple had been planning the attack for at least three weeks. Police believe they intended to commit the murders, steal valuables, and flee to another state using a stolen car.

A Family in Shock

The Matthews family, longtime residents of Ridgewood Township, are said to be “devastated” by the discovery. The couple adopted Jacob five years ago after fostering him through a local youth program.

“He came to us when he was twelve,” said Robert Matthews, speaking briefly to reporters outside his home. “We loved him like our own. We gave him everything — a home, an education, a chance. I don’t understand how it came to this.”

Neighbors described the family as kind, close-knit, and active in their church. “You’d always see them together,” said Nancy Porter, who lives nearby. “They treated that boy like a son. No one can believe he would do something like this.”

The community has since rallied around the Matthews, bringing food and offering support as they cope with the shock and fear of what could have been a horrific tragedy.

The Girlfriend’s Role

Police identified the second suspect as Amber Lee, 18, a local high school graduate who had been dating Jacob for nearly a year. Investigators say she played a key role in the plan, encouraging him and helping to gather supplies.

“She wasn’t just a bystander,” Detective Keller said. “From the evidence we’ve reviewed, she was an active participant — emotionally and logistically.”

Text messages allegedly show Amber reassuring Jacob that “everything would be worth it once we had the money.” The pair reportedly discussed running away together and “starting a new life” after the murders.

When officers arrested her at her apartment Saturday morning, they found a duffel bag packed with clothes, prepaid credit cards, and several pieces of the Matthews’ family jewelry that had been reported missing earlier that week.

Inside the Investigation

According to court documents, detectives believe the couple intended to strike during the weekend, when the family was home. Security footage from a nearby convenience store showed Jacob purchasing duct tape, gloves, and a kitchen knife just days before his arrest.

“This was a crime that, thankfully, was stopped before it happened,” said Prosecutor Dana Walker, who is leading the case. “If not for the mother’s discovery of that notebook, we might be dealing with a mass murder instead of an attempted one.”

Authorities have not disclosed whether the suspects confessed, but police confirmed that both are cooperating with investigators. The evidence collected — including the written plans, text messages, and surveillance footage — is expected to form the core of the prosecution’s case.

Community Reaction

News of the arrests has sent shockwaves through Ridgewood, a small town of fewer than 10,000 people. Parents are particularly alarmed by the ages of the suspects, both teenagers.

“It’s terrifying,” said Maria Sanchez, whose daughter attended the same school as Jacob. “It makes you wonder what’s going on in the minds of some kids today — to plan something like this against the people who raised you.”

Local high schools have begun offering counseling sessions for students and teachers disturbed by the case. Mental health experts say it highlights the growing need for intervention programs that can identify and support troubled youth before they reach a breaking point.

“This is a tragic example of how emotional isolation and resentment can turn into something darker,” said Dr. Elaine Brooks, a child psychologist at the Michigan Center for Family Welfare. “Adopted children can carry deep trauma, and without proper counseling, that pain can manifest in destructive ways.”

Legal Proceedings

Jacob, though only 17, is expected to be charged as an adult due to the severity and premeditation of the crime. His girlfriend Amber, 18, will face similar charges. Prosecutors have filed motions seeking life imprisonment without parole for both suspects.

“This was not a spontaneous act,” Prosecutor Walker said during a press conference Monday. “It was deliberate, planned, and motivated by greed. We intend to pursue the maximum penalty allowed by law.”

Both suspects appeared briefly in court on Tuesday, wearing orange detention uniforms and showing little emotion as the charges were read aloud. Jacob’s defense attorney has requested a psychological evaluation, citing his “troubled upbringing” and possible mental health issues.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for October 28, where prosecutors are expected to present digital evidence and testimony from forensic experts.

A Tragic Lesson

As the investigation continues, residents of Ridgewood are left grappling with disbelief and grief. Outside the Matthews’ home, candles and flowers line the driveway, left by neighbors thankful that the family survived — but haunted by how close they came to disaster.

“This is a wake-up call,” said Mayor Susan Howard. “We need to look at how we’re supporting our youth, especially those from difficult backgrounds. Evil doesn’t always come from strangers — sometimes it grows quietly in our own homes.”

For the Matthews family, healing will take time. “We don’t hate him,” Linda said softly when asked about her son. “We just wish we could have seen the pain behind his eyes before it turned into something like this.”