Disney World Assault Case Reveals Attacker Was Victim’s Son

Nearly a year after an assault at Disney World shocked families and park visitors, newly released details reveal that the attack was a case of domestic violence between a mother and her adult son.

The incident took place in October 2024 near Casey’s Corner, a baseball-themed hot dog stand in the Magic Kingdom. Video from the scene, widely shared online, showed bystanders restraining 22-year-old Matthew Edward Cameron of Massachusetts after he struck his 56-year-old mother, Diane Marie Cameron.

According to an Orange County Sheriff’s Department report, Matthew became agitated during an argument and first shoved his mother’s face away before punching her in the left side of her face. The blow knocked her to the ground and left her with a bloody nose.

Witnesses reported hearing screams from nearby guests as other park visitors intervened to restrain Matthew until law enforcement arrived. He later admitted to officers that he acted “out of frustration” and was “not thinking” at the time of the assault.

The report also noted that Diane told police her son had long struggled with severe schizophrenia, which sometimes led to hallucinations and prior episodes of violence toward her.

While Matthew was initially arrested on domestic battery charges, court records show the case was dismissed by prosecutors in January 2025.

The incident serves as a reminder that even “The Happiest Place on Earth” can become the scene of deeply personal and troubling events.

Photo credit: Flickr