safety
Jeri Matthews' family speaks out after her death, hopes her story saves someone else
By Kelsey Gibbs at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate)
· July 11, 2026
· 3 min read
A family is sharing the life of a woman they say always put others first while hoping her death can help save someone else.Lebanon Police say 68-year-old Jeri Matthews was shot and killed inside her apartment on June 20. Her husband, 57-year-old Jerry Matthews, was arrested at the scene and char...
Key takeaway Lebanon Police say 68-year-old Jeri Matthews was shot and killed inside her apartment on June 20.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The tragic death of Jeri Matthews serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence in our community. Her family's courageous decision to share her story may help others recognize the warning signs of abuse and seek help. In Middle Tennessee, where Jeri's death is one of several cases of women being killed by romantic partners this year, it is crucial that we prioritize support for survivors of domestic violence and work to prevent such tragedies. The fact that Jeri's family had repeatedly called Lebanon Police to express concerns about her safety, only to have their worst fears realized, raises questions about the effectiveness of our local response to domestic violence. As we mourn the loss of Jeri, we must also examine our community's resources and support systems for survivors, and work to ensure that those in need can access the help they require to escape abusive relationships.
About this story
Original reporting by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 11, 2026 ·
Source: NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A family is sharing the life of a woman they say always put others first while hoping her death can help save someone else.Lebanon Police say 68-year-old Jeri Matthews was shot and killed inside her apartment on June 20. Her husband, 57-year-old Jerry Matthews, was arrested at the scene and char...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 11, 2026 by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Kelsey Gibbs at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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