“On a journey to figure out what I am called to do with the story that has become my family’s story. One thing I know is that I must play my part to bring change.”
Founder of Project Beloved – Tracy Matheson – Molly Jane’s Momma.
Tracy Matheson founded Project Beloved in what she often refers to the aftermath of what she calls “a parent’s worst nightmare.” On April 10, 2017, in Fort Worth, Texas; Molly Matheson at 22 years old had not reported for work concerned Tracy went to Molly’s apartment to discover Molly had been raped, strangled and murdered. Less than two weeks later, in Plano, Texas, Megan Getrum who had been hiking at the Nature Preserve body was discovered deceased in Lake Ray Hubbard. Kimbro has a history of sexual violence and strangulation with charges pending from 2014; he was indicted on one charge of aggravated sexual assault in 2017 related to that case. Authorities charged Kimbro with capital murder for killing Molly.
Serial Killer/Rapist Sentenced to Life in Prison Without Parole – Guilty; Guilty; Guilty; Guilty; Guilty; Guilty.
Update: On March 18, 2022: Reginald Kimbro pleaded guilty to the 2017 killings of Molly Matheson of Fort Worth and Megan Getrum of Plano as well as three sexual assaults in Collin County from 2012 to 2014 and an aggravated sexual assault in Cameron County. All four victims described being drugged, strangled and raped. All four women were prepared to testify against Kimbro at trial.
Kimbro, 28, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in connection with the rape and murder of Molly Jane Matheson. Molly and Reginald dated in college but not been in a relationship for years. Kimbro was also sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in the rape and murder of 36-year-old Megan Getrum — she was a stranger to him. Kimbro was sentenced to 20 years in the Plano case, life in the South Padre case, 20 years in the Allen case and 20 years in the McKinney case.
Molly Jane’s Law creates statewide database to track repeat sex offenders in Texas.
In 2019, David and Tracy Matheson pushed to get Molly Jane’s Law passed in the Texas Legislature. It requires law enforcement to input suspect information into a national database.
May 29, 2019, Governor Greg Abbott signed HB 3106, and it became known as Molly Jane’s Law in the state of Texas, effective September 1, 2019. Molly Jane’s Law allows law enforcement agencies in Texas to communicate with one another through the use of ViCAP, which is administered by the FBI.
Working Together – We need everyone if we are going to make a difference
Law enforcement alone cannot provide all the needed support and resources to victim/survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence; it takes partnerships
HPD is proud to partner with Molly Jane’s Momma; Tracy Matheson, founder of Project Beloved a non-profit organization to install soft interview rooms for the investigations of sexual assault and domestic violence.
March 14, 2022, Monday of spring break-Tracy and her son Max installed Project Beloved Soft Interview Room #42 at our HPD Family Violence Unit to facilitate a trauma informed response funded by #HEBHelpingHere.
Project Beloved put so much care into creating a comfortable space, which includes:
- Comfortable chairs that swivel-movement can be soothing for a survivor
- Alternate light sources to use instead of, or in addition to, overhead lighting
- A diffuser with lavender essential oil as a calming scent if survivor would like
- A weighted blanket and a soft, cozy blanket (washable)
- Stress balls to give the survivor something to hold in their hands to help relax
- Photographic art on the walls, taken by Megan
The soft interview room will have the single purpose of providing a safe and comfortable place for survivors to share their experiences of abuse and assault.
HPD shares Project Beloved’s vision, “A world where survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence are heard and believed, perpetrators are prosecuted and justice is service.”
We need everyone if we are going to change the conversation about sexual assault and domestic violence.
To watch a powerful and moving Victim Impact Statement Molly Jane’s mother Tracy Matheson gave at the defendant’s sentencing click on the link:
Molly Jane Matheson
May 18, 1994 – April 10, 2017
Project Beloved was founded to bring light, Molly Jane’s light, to the darkness which followed after her rape and murder.
About the Author
Lieutenant Kira Webster
Houston Police Department
Major Assaults & Family Violence Division
Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council Member- Intimate Partner Death Review; Harris County High Risk Team; Harris County Policy Working Group; Harris County Law Enforcement Weekly Check-In & Harris County Strangulation Task Force
