The Deck – "Paris Matthews (6 of Hearts, Florida)"

Podcast: The Deck
Host: Ashley Flowers (Audiochuck)
Episode Date: December 17, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of The Deck focuses on the 2013 murder of Paris Matthews in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Drawing from interviews, case files, and law enforcement commentary, host Ashley Flowers reconstructs the chilling night Paris was killed in what appeared to be a home invasion, and she details the long, tangled investigation that has left more questions than answers. Through exploring rumors, possible suspects, inconclusive DNA evidence, and the tireless efforts of Paris’s family and investigators, the episode seeks new leads in the unresolved case—underscoring its human toll and the need for someone to come forward.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Night of the Murder

[02:52]

• In April 2013, Paris Matthews and his roommate "E" were at home playing Modern Warfare when someone knocked. The person identified themselves as “J”—a name familiar to Paris and E but impossible, as the real J was incarcerated.
• As Paris opened the door, two masked men burst in. A struggle broke out, Paris was shoved onto the couch, and a gunshot rang out.

“As soon as he started to open the door, two men rushed in… Paris was pushed back onto that couch… and a gunshot was heard.”
— Investigator Eric Swain [05:07]

• The assailants fled, Paris attempted to pursue but collapsed at the threshold. Paramedics arrived quickly, but Paris succumbed to a gunshot wound to the abdomen.
• Witness descriptions: One suspect was a Black male (holding the gun), the other a lighter-skinned or white male. Both wore hoodies and masks, possibly makeshift (not full ski masks).

2. Clues, Motive, and Initial Police Response

[06:54]

• Crime scene yielded little physical evidence: no shell casings (suggesting a revolver was used), a bullet, and various items for DNA—none providing a match to suspects at the time.
• K9 tracked the suspects’ scent to an intersection, where it likely ended due to a getaway car.
• The cash ($1000+) and drugs in the apartment were left untouched, supporting a theory this could’ve been a failed drug “rip” (robbery popular in the local drug scene):

“You would go to their house to either buy narcotics, or… you would just show up and then you would take what they have… My belief is it was something along those lines.”
— Investigator Swain [07:57]

3. Investigative Leads and Dead Ends

[11:03]

• Paris intervened in a heated argument earlier that night near his mother’s house, involving two local men (Black & white) who were later questioned but cleared—one through an alibi, the other lacking concrete motive.
• The theory of prison retaliation surfaced: Paris’s girlfriend mentioned a possible grudge from a man named “Q” (pseudonym), who had a relevant criminal history but was ultimately not matched via DNA or timeline.
• Another tip: Eyewitness spotted “Q,” another man “Love,” and a woman in a car near the crime scene pre-murder. Police questioned Love, who provided a biometric-verified work alibi.

4. Suspicious Texts & Tangential Evidence

[14:41]

• Police uncovered murky text messages from a phone left in Love’s car. The texts, exchanged between “Linda” and boyfriend “Thomas,” mentioned being scared, jail, “shoot,” “rob,” and referenced “Q” (aka "white boy Q").
• When confronted, Thomas denied involvement; Linda refused to comment. The silver gun found at their residence didn’t match witness descriptions. DNA from neither matched the sample found.

5. DNA Hopes, Missed Opportunities, and Frustrations

[24:41, 27:02]

• DNA from under Paris's fingernails was crucial: a mixture of at least two males, but no suspects matched. In 2016, a CODIS hit for “Matthew” raised hopes, but he’d been incarcerated since 2009—a false positive.
• The possibility that the DNA belonged to a relative of Matthew was explored, but no results.
• “Q,” despite being a person of interest named in numerous tips, denied involvement and invoked his attorney when questioned.

“It was just a mirage… Now they can’t see the finish line, but they’re continuing to still run the race.”
— Investigator Swain [27:23]

6. Other Theories & Ongoing Rumors

• California Drug Connection: Some speculated Paris was killed over a dispute with out-of-state suppliers, but investigators and family found this improbable for the amounts involved.
• Local Double-Cross: An informant claimed a dealer named “G” sold drugs to E, then sent others (from Mississippi) to rob it back. G’s cousin, possibly involved, was later killed in Mississippi—leaving the trail cold.
• Mistaken Identity: Days before the murder, Paris narrowly avoided being shot by men searching for a drug rival named “Parrish.” However, Paris’s murder didn’t seem random, as the attackers appeared to know his name and address.

7. Current Status and Hope for Resolution

[33:52, 34:58]

• The critical DNA profile remains unmatched in CODIS. Investigator Eric Swain hopes new forensic genealogical techniques might provide the break they need.
• Swain is determined, despite inheriting a case passed between multiple detectives over 12 years.

“I didn’t know Paris… but at the end of the day, he’s somebody’s brother, he’s somebody’s son, and he deserves the justice.”
— Investigator Swain [34:58]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Who knows them well enough to know that Jay once lived there, but not well enough to know that he’d been locked up? And why are they lying about being him at all?”
  — Ashley Flowers [02:52]

• “They just needed to find Q. This whole time, Q had been pretty elusive.”
  — Ashley Flowers [22:48]

• “The CODIS hit was for a man named Matthew… but he was incarcerated at the time.”
  — Ashley Flowers [26:42]

• “You know, somebody knows what happened, and either they’re going to come forward or they’re going to tell somebody, and that person’s going to come forward.”
  — Investigator Swain [34:16]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:52] — Setting the scene: The night of the murder
• [05:07] — Attack and attempted robbery
• [07:57] — The “rip” robbery theory and failed motive
• [11:03] — Earlier altercation, suspects questioned and cleared
• [14:41] — Text messages, the circle of suspicion, DNA explores new leads
• [24:41, 26:42] — False DNA hit, frustrations mount
• [28:55] — Other theories (California connection, mistaken identity)
• [33:52] — Ongoing investigation, technological hopes, Swain’s resolve
• [34:58] — Paris’s family and the human impact

Conclusion: Family, Community, and Ongoing Search for Justice

Paris Matthews left behind two children and a grieving family who believe he was trying to turn his life around. With major investigative breakthroughs eluding authorities, and the main DNA evidence unresolved, police continue to appeal for new witnesses or information. Investigator Swain closes on a note of hope, urging anyone with information to come forward, and emphasizing Paris’s right to justice.

If you have information related to Paris Matthews’s murder in April 2013, Fort Walton Beach, Florida, contact the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office (850-6517) or Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers (850-863-TIPS / emeraldcoastcrimestoppers.com).