Beating victim paralysed, semi-conscious
He is known to many of us as “Jolly Rancher”, but there is little joy these days in the life of Roderick Matura or his family. News 5’s Jacqueline Woods reports from the bedside of a young man whose world has been turned upside down.
Jacqueline Woods, Reporting
Medically, there is not much more that can be done to restore the health of twenty-one year old Roderick Matura. Matura was left comatose after five young boys beat him with rocks and bar stools and left him for dead inside the Coconut Bar in San Ignacio. Since the incident on January twentieth, he has undergone three surgeries and remains paralysed and in a semi-conscious state at his family’s home.
Cynthia Sutherland, Mother
“Stressful time, because I don’t think anybody would to go through this that I am going through. It’s like a living nightmare.”
Matura has also lost his memory. Cynthia Sutherland says its painful knowing that her son does not recognise them and is only aware that a group of people are constantly at his side.
Cynthia Sutherland
“He does not remember anything. I would say to him, Roderick I hope that you’re not blocking out everything, we need you to remember at least something. And he says, no he does not remember anything.
For instance, I am his mother and he calls me Daddy. Then his father would say “Hi Roderick, this is Daddy,” and he says, “Hello Roderick.” Most people he calls by his name. I guess that’s his name, so he remember his name.”
According to Sutherland, the doctors have told her that it will take a miracle for her son to get better. But she says her strong faith will not let her give up.
Cynthia Sutherland
“I born such a perfect child and now this happen. I’ve learned to accept it, but it’s a very hard thing to accept because I believe in God.”
The tragedy has also crippled the family financially, with medical bills and the mounting of expense of twenty-four hour care for Roderick.
Cynthia Sutherland
“We have to feed him first of all, he’s unable to get up on his own, we have to put him to sit up, we have to sponge him in the bed, he can’t walk any at all. So it’s a lot of work that the whole family has to come in and help to assist him. Friends, good friends come in as well to help us with him.”
Sutherland says it’s hard watching her son battle for his life and hopes that those who are responsible will be punished for the crime.
Cynthia Sutherland
“I still don’t know how these young men look, who they are, I just hear about them. I don’t know who they really are, but I just hope justice…I just hope they give them what they deserve to get, because they almost killed my son.”
Sutherland is appealing to the public for any assistance they can give in helping her care for her son. An account has been opened at the bank of Nova Scotia. If you would like to assist, please make your donations to account 11917. Jacqueline Woods reporting for News 5.
The five young men who allegedly beat up Matura are presently out on bail. They are scheduled to reappear in San Ignacio’s Magistrate Court on March thirteenth when they will answer to the charge of maim.
