Good Samaritan allegedly murdered while helping driver in Nambung crash

A good Samaritan who stopped on the side of a road to help another man who rolled his car was then allegedly murdered by the driver.

John Matta, 38, was killed on September 26 in Nambung, 200km northwest of Perth.

Mr Matta, originally from Egypt and who lost one of his legs from diabetes eight months ago, had pulled over on the Indian Ocean Road after noticing a white Mitsubishi Pajero had crashed.

Police then allege an ‘incident occurred’ between Mr Matta and the Mitsubishi’s driver Benjamin Jack McLaughlin, 19, who then allegedly murdered the older man.

Mr Matta’s body was found when firefighters were called to the scene just after midnight to find the Mitsubishi on fire.

McLaughlin is in custody after being charged with murder, aggravated criminal damage by fire and stealing a motor vehicle. 

The teenager was found hours later behaving erratically and naked on a boat drifting out to sea before diving into the ocean.

Distressed fisherman had reported him to the police when they noticed him drifting aimlessly in the waters where he was screaming, confused and ripping his hair out. 

McLaughlin had also allegedly taken off in Mr Matta’s red SUV that was later found submerged in the ocean near the Cervantes jetty.

Loved ones have since set up a GoFundMe for Mr Matta.

The 38-year-old had regularly shared videos to his TikTok account encouraging viewers to stay positive and nothing was impossible, while working out in his wheelchair.

Benjamin Jack McLaughlin, 19, has been charged with murder 

The Egyptian-born 38-year-old lost one of his legs eight months ago, understood to be due to diabetes

‘In a world that sometimes seems filled with chaos and uncertainty, there are those rare individuals who shine as beacons of love, kindness, and compassion,’ friend and fundraiser organiser Matthew Ibraheem said.

‘To those who knew John, he was one of a kind. With his infectious smile, his radiating heart, and his incredible singing voice; he was taken from us too soon.

‘We remember and celebrate the life of one such extraordinary soul. A true Good Samaritan who touched the lives of countless people with his selflessness and love for humanity.

‘John’s heart overflowed with love, and his actions spoke louder than words. An extraordinary individual who never hesitated to lend a helping hand to those in need.’

The funds raised will go towards foundations Mr Matta had cherished.

These include charities supporting amputees such as Limbs 4 Life and APC Prosthetics, Coptic Orphans which helps vulnerable children in Egypt, and to help fund diabetic treatments in his Egyptian hometown.

McLaughlin faced Perth Magistrate’s Court last week where he was remanded in custody. He will appear again later this month. 

McLaughlin was found naked and acting erratically before he was arrested