Ever since the disturbing story ofMatthew Taylor Colemanmade national news, people across the country have wondered how a trusted surf instructor could be accused ofkilling his two childrenin Mexico.
But for those who know Coleman, the story is even more shocking. Coleman, 40, was known around Santa Barbara, Calif., as an affable instructor and churchgoer who was focused on helping kids.
“He had a gift for surfing,” says a fellow surf instructor who was once one of his students. “There was a childlike joy whenever he was on the water. He was always searching for the next wave.”
The FBI says in a criminal complaint that Coleman drove the children — 2-year-old Kaleo and 10-month-old Roxy — into Mexico on August 7. Two days later, authorities allege, he took the kids to a ranch, where he killed them with a spearfishing gun and returned to his hotel a few hours later. He was arrested when he attempted to cross the border back into the United States.
For more on the disturbing case of Matthew Taylor Coleman,subscribe now to PEOPLEor pick up this week’s issue, on newsstands Friday.
“M. Coleman stated that he believed his children were going to grow into monsters so he had to kill them,” Bannon wrote.
The sudden violence has shocked and saddened those who knew him, including his students.
Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up forPEOPLE’s free True Crime newsletterfor breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.
“I still can’t believe it,” says another parent. “It just feels unreal. He was just a stand-up guy, a good husband and father, and a great teacher. None of this makes any sense whatsoever.”
Coleman has not yet entered a plea and is being held without bond at an undisclosed federal prison, where he will undergo psychological testing. The public defender’s office has not returned PEOPLE’s calls for comment.
source: people.com
