Birmingham Woman Found Safe After Being Missing for Four Days
A remarkable turn of events shook Birmingham today after Crystal Matthews, a 47-year-old local woman reported missing four days ago, was found safe. Birmingham police shared the good news this afternoon, though no further details were released immediately.
The Disappearance
Crystal Matthews vanished under mysterious circumstances last Saturday. The grandmother of two was last seen in the 3000 block of 42nd Avenue North around 12:45 p.m., as she was set to meet a co-worker for a ride to work. Matthews had devoted her professional life to providing in-home care as a sitter and personal caregiver.
The sudden disappearance was out of character for Matthews, who according to her family, was always in contact with them. They were deeply distressed and suspected Matthews could be in danger.
Her son, Rashad Offord, voiced his concern and emotional turmoil, affirming it was the first time something like this happened. He had not received any communication from his mother since the day before her disappearance. “One thing about my mom, she’s going to call and ask about her grandbabies,” he said. This routine call never came, stoking concerns about Matthews’ safety.
The Search for Crystal Matthews
A city-wide search was initiated to find Matthews, appealing to the public for any shred of information that could hint at her whereabouts. The last image of Matthews showed her dressed in black scrubs and carrying a black backpack. She stands 5-feet, 3-inches tall and weighs around 145 pounds.
The family implored anyone with information to come forward and contact the police. The plea resonated amongst Birmingham’s close-knit community who quickly rallied to help secure Matthews’ return.
A Sigh of Relief
The tensions eased today after the Birmingham Police Department announced that Crystal Matthews was found safe. The news came as a massive relief to her loved ones and the local community who had rallied in prayer and hope for the safe return of the beloved woman.
While the details surrounding her disappearance and subsequent discovery are still developing, the immediate concern for Crystal Matthews’ safety has been relieved. The community, while celebrating her return, is looking forward to understanding the circumstances that led to this ordeal.
The incident underscores the importance of community vigilance and timely communication in possibly life-threatening situations. As the investigation continues, Birmingham’s police advise residents always to stay alert and report any suspicious activity promptly to retain the city’s security.
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
