Published on: April 23, 2026, 05:33h.
Updated on: April 23, 2026, 05:33h.
- Another Arrest Made in the Homicide of Poker Player Matt Lushin
- Authorities Connect Murder to a $50,000 Marijuana Debt
- Encrypted Communications and Forensic Clues Link Suspects to the Crime
Authorities have made a second arrest related to the shooting death of poker player James “Matt” Lushin, as reported by WRTV Indianapolis.
Justin Andrew Jones, 40, hailing from Indianapolis, was taken into custody on Wednesday morning, facing charges such as murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and armed robbery.
Investigators suspect that Jones assisted Ronald Brown Jr. in the fatal shooting of Lushin as part of settling a drug-related debt, as indicated in a probable cause affidavit.
Lushin’s remains were discovered at his residence in Westfield, Indiana, on March 12, revealing he had been shot multiple times from behind, according to law enforcement.
The beloved poker enthusiast and father had amassed over $500K in tournament earnings and was tragically killed just two weeks following his participation in a World Series of Poker Circuit event at Horseshoe Hammond in northwest Indiana, reported PokerNews.
Murder Motivation: Drug Debt
Brown was initially arrested on murder charges on March 27. The affidavit details that he and Lushin were collaborators in a marijuana venture, with Lushin having extended approximately $50K worth of product to Brown, creating a notable debt.
Alongside Lushin’s body, officers discovered marijuana jars that seemed to be prepared for distribution into vacuum-sealed bags.
In a building behind the main house, authorities located an open safe containing 11 pounds of bulk marijuana in sealed packages, as stated in the affidavit.
Law enforcement noted the presence of a black Dodge Durango circling the poker player’s residence multiple times on the day of the incident, reportedly rented by Brown at the Indianapolis Airport.
Further analysis of Lushin’s phone indicated frequent communication with Brown. During a search of Lushin’s home, investigators found baggies that matched those discovered in his safe.
Additionally, police recovered a Glock 26 handgun beneath a chest of drawers, loaded with ammunition identical to that used in the fatal shooting.
Fingerprint Evidence on License Plate
Jones was identified as a potential accomplice due to his fingerprint being found on the Durango’s license plate, which had been deliberately concealed with cardboard, according to court filings.
Cellular data pinpointed Jones’s location at Brown’s residence on the day of the murder, while a vehicle registered to Jones’s girlfriend was spotted collecting Brown from the airport after the return of the Durango.
Additionally, encrypted messages exchanged between the two suggested discussions about cannabis inventory and showering. This inventory was consistent with the marijuana discovered in Lushin’s safe.
Brown has since been charged with one count of murder.