Man Pulled Over After Picking Niece Up From Chemo, Then Officer Opened His Trunk

The highway yawns wide before Matthew with only a light scatter of traffic. Soon he’s on track, passing, under-taking, and punching the gas pedal.

From behind, there’s a sudden blast from a siren and a police car appears in his mirror, the red and blue lights flashing brightly in the gathering gloom of the summer evening.

Matthew pulls to the side, comes to a stop, and waits for the officer to get out and make his approach, flashlight in hand.

How fast had he been going anyway? One twenty? One thirty? The minutes drag on slowly and his heart rate is faster than it’s ever been. If the cop checks the trunk Matthew won’t see the light of day until he’s 70.

Then, the officer climbs out and rests his black leather notebook on the trunk…

The Perfect Man

For many people, Matthew Manley was the perfect man. He was a loving husband, a thoughtful neighbor, and an even better father. He often spent his days senselessly helping others. But little did people know, Matthew was hiding something.

A secret that would change everything. A secret that he once thought would stay buried. Until now.

Collecting His Niece From Chemo

Matthew has always had a close relationship with his niece Sydney, an unfortunate sufferer of cancer.

At just five years old, the little girl didn’t deserve what she was going through, so Matthew ensured he was there for her at all times; treating her to days out at the zoo, the cinema, and basketball games.

So it was not unusual when, on August 28, 2015, Matthew traveled to nearby St. Louis to collect the sick child after one of her then daily chemotherapy sessions. But this trip was one Matthew would never forget.

Driving Home

After picking Sydney up from the hospital he surprised her with a pink teddy bear. Pink was her favorite color. Matthew strapped Sydney into his van and the pair set off on the nearly 80-mile journey back to their hometown.

However, on his way back Matthew’s stomach sank when he saw the flashing lights of the law behind his vehicle.

Cop Tells Him To Pull Over

Matthew’s pulse starts to pound as a local cop indicates the doting uncle to pull over. His steering wheel feels clammy and he can feel his heartbeat in his throat. But Matthew takes a deep breath before looking back at Syndeny who was in the back.

He had nothing to worry about. It’s not like he had anything to hide… right?