Fort Worth

Family of Murder Victim Molly Matheson Launches Foundation in Her Honor

They found their daughter raped and murdered near TCU's campus, one year ago. Now, the parents of Molly Matheson are announcing a foundation in her honor to help victims of sexual assault.

Speaking at their church in Southwest Fort Worth Tuesday afternoon, the Mathesons shared the story of their first night after learning what had happened to Molly. They gathered their other children together and promised, even then, to bring light to the darkness.

"Distinctly we had that conversation that we are going to take something so dark and so evil and turn it into something positive and good," said Molly's father David Matheson.

Molly Matheson was just 22 years old when her mother found her body in the garage apartment she was renting near TCU's campus. A young man she knew from her time at the University of Arkansas is accused of raping and killing her.

The family's mission to find that light has now led them to found Project Beloved: The Molly Jane Mission.

The foundation plans to distribute clean clothes for survivors to wear after undergoing a rape kit. They want to install "soft interview rooms" in police departments for survivors to tell their story in safety and comfort.

They’re also starting a scholarship for students studying social work, Molly's major, in her honor.

"I want to change the world,” said Molly’s mother Tracy Matheson. “I recognize that is a lofty goal but it is where my heart is and it is my desire that Project Beloved: The Molly Jane Mission will play a major role in changing the world of those who experience rape and sexual assault. It is time and it is now."

Even in a photograph you can still see how Molly shined.

"She was light," Mrs. Matheson said. "This vibrant, joyful, loving, kind, compassionate, quirky, funny, funny, funny, funny girl, with her whole life ahead of her, was ripped away from us in a way that nobody should ever be."

The family's faith in God and their beloved girl still drive them forward.

Tracy Matheson now has the word "beloved" tattoo'd on her wrist. It matches a tattoo she only learned Molly had when she found her body.

It also symbolizes the family's hope to change the conversation on sexual assault, and bring light to darkness.

"It is time and it is now," said Mrs. Matheson.

"It's not the end of the story, this is just the beginning of something else," said Mr. Matheson.

The family just got some good news this week. They learned the University of Arkansas, where Molly had finished three years, will award her a posthumous degree and her name will be read aloud at graduation next month.

The man charged with Molly's murder, Reginald Kimbro, is also accused of raping and killing a Plano woman, Megan Getrum, less than two weeks after Molly's death.

Kimbro is also accused of three other sexual assaults dating back to 2012 and 2014. He's being held in the Tarrant County Jail awaiting trial.

More Information or Donate: Project Beloved: The Molly Jane Mission on Facebook

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