Courthouse killer's family: 'stunned, bewildered' - and apologetic

The family of the man who opened fire in a crowded Wilmington courthouse Monday killing two women and wounding two Capitol police officers says it "apologizes to the people of Delaware."

Members of the Matusiewicz family released a statement this morning, saying they too were "stunned" at the events.

Thomas Matusiewicz, 68, took his own life after he shot his ex-daughter-in-law Christine Belford and her friend Laura "Beth" Mulford. Belford was in court for a child-support hearing. She had a long-troubled relationship with her ex-husband David Matusiewicz.

"The Matusiewicz and Gonzalez families are stunned and bewildered by the tragic events of February 11, 2013," the statement reads. "We want to express our deepest sympathy for all of the victims and their families. We apologize to the people of Delaware for the violent actions of Thomas Matusiewicz.

"We understand that the police had to do what was necessary to prevent further injuries. May God be with you all during this difficult time."

The statement comes the same day David Matusiewicz is to appear in a Delaware federal court for a parole hearing.

David Matusiewicz received permission from his parole officer to make the trip north for the Monday court date. Instead of staying with an uncle in Bayville, N.J., as planned, he spent Sunday night in Elkton, Md., without telling the parole officer.

His failure to pay restitution and child support will also be addressed at today's hearing. A spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney's Office said it was possible that additional violations could arise.

A search in Texas has led investigators to suspect both David Matusiewicz and his mother Lenore helped to plot to kill Belford.

Police found 13 guns, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, court papers, and books titled Kill All the Lawyers and New I.D. in America in the family's house and a storage locker in Hidalgo County, according to documents obtained by the Associated Press.

In 2007 David Matusiewicz with help from his mother, kidnapped the couples' three young daughters from Newark, Del., and fled to Central America, where they were found 19 months later living in a cramped and filthy trailer.

David Matusiewicz was sentenced to four years in prison on charges of kidnapping and bank fraud, but was released on probation in September.

Contact staff writer Mari A. Schaefer at 610-892-9149, mschaefer@phillynews.com or @MariSchaefer on Twitter.