If you’re a fan of Power Rangers, you’ve probably heard about Jason David Frank, the individual who expertly wore the Green and White Ranger suits. But did you know his life took a wild turn off-screen? Investigation Discovery’s Hollywood Demons: Dark Side of the Power Rangers dives into the messy, real-life stories of the actors behind those iconic masks. One jaw-dropping moment? A guy named Matthew Sterling tried to take Jason out back in 2017. Yep, it’s as intense as it sounds! At TV Acute, we’re breaking it all down for you—simple, engaging, and packed with the latest scoop. Let’s get into it.
Matthew Sterling’s Crazy Plan at Phoenix ComicCon
Back in the 2010s, Jason David Frank was a regular at ComicCon events, shaking hands and snapping pics with fans. But on May 25, 2017, at the Phoenix ComicCon, things got scary fast. Enter Matthew Sterling, a 29-year-old who showed up ready for chaos. This gentleman wasn’t your average fanboy—he came loaded with a 12-gauge shotgun, two .45 handguns, a revolver, a stun gun, a combat knife, pepper spray, throwing stars, and even body armor. Dressed as Marvel’s The Punisher, Sterling had one goal: take down Jason David Frank, or “JDF” as he called him.
Lucky for everyone, the Phoenix police got a heads-up from a woman in California who’d seen Sterling’s creepy Facebook posts about his plans. They nabbed him on the convention center’s first floor after a quick scuffle. When they searched him, they found a phone reminder that said, “Kill JDF at ComicCon.” Yikes! During questioning, Sterling didn’t hold back. He ranted about hating Jason, calling him “evil” and a “corrupted Power Ranger.” He even accused Jason of being a cocaine addict—claims with zero proof. Sterling saw himself as a real-life Punisher, dishing out justice with no regrets.
The police dug deeper and found more evidence at his home, like signs he’d been practicing a kill shot. This wasnot an impulsive action; Sterling had meticulously planned it out. He also threatened to go after cops at the event, making him a danger to everyone there. Thanks to quick action, Jason walked away unharmed, but it was a close call that shook the Power Rangers fandom.
What Happened to Matthew Sterling After the Attack?
Fast forward to December 2019—Sterling faced a one-day trial in Maricopa County Superior Court. He pleaded “guilty, but insane,” and after mental health experts from both sides checked him out, the verdict came in January 2020: “guilty except insane.” What does that mean? The court acknowledged that he had committed the crimes, but it also acknowledged that his mental state was unstable. Instead of a regular prison, they sentenced him to 25 years in a psychiatric facility.
Currently, Matthew Sterling is locked up in the psychiatric wing of the Arizona State Hospital in Phoenix. He’s under the watch of the Psychiatric Security Review Board, which keeps tabs on his progress. Every few months, they check in to see if he’s improving. If he’s ever “restored to sanity,” a few things could happen: they might release him with strict supervision, like mandatory meds or counseling. Or, if he’s deemed too dangerous even after treatment, they could send him to a regular prison to finish his time. For now, though, he’s staying put in the hospital, far from ComicCon crowds.
Jason David Frank’s Take and Tragic End
In 2019, in Jason’s interview with 12 News, he said he’d forgiven Sterling. “Do I want him to serve jail time and get mental help? Absolutely,” he told them. That’s the kind of guy Jason was—big heart, even after something this nuts. Regrettably, his story does not conclude with a happy ending. In November 2022, Jason took his own life at 49, leaving fans heartbroken. The Hollywood Demons episode doesn’t just cover the attack—it shines a light on Jason’s struggles, showing how fame can come with heavy baggage.
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