Eugene Matthews again seeking to be released on bond, but this time for a medical reason

Eugene Matthews is once again seeking to be released on bond as he awaits trial on murder and attempted murder charges, but this time because he needs to have surgery, according to court documents.

Matthews, 84, has been held without bond at the Manatee County since his Jan. 10 arrest in connection to a shooting outside his home that left Rebecca Rawson dead. He is charged with one count of second-degree murder with a firearm in Rawson’s death and two counts of attempted murder for the shooting which Rawson’s daughter and ex-brother-in-law were also present for.

Most recently, Matthews’ trial was delayed again. He is currently set to stand trial during the two-week period that begins Feb. 12.

His defense has made numerous attempts to get Matthews released on bond as he awaits trial.

Last week, the latest attempt cited a cancerous melanoma Matthews has on his right hand that has been growing since he has been incarcerated and recently split open, according to the motion filed by defense attorney Scott Rieth. Matthews needs to have surgery to have the cancerous skin growth removed.

Matthews, who is a Korean war veteran, could be treated at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital if he were released on bond, the court document states.

Rieth has argued before in previous bond hearings this year that Matthews should be granted bond because he had a claim of self-defense under Florida’s “stand your ground” law. Bond was denied and immunity was also later denied after a “stand your ground” hearing.

In July, a three-judge panel of the Second District Court of Appeals denied a petition appealing Matthews’ being held without bond.

This story was originally published December 12, 2017 at 5:59 PM with the headline "Eugene Matthews again seeking to be released on bond, but this time for a medical reason."