A Baptist pastor from Missouri has been granted bond after spending two years in jail for allegedly shooting his wife’s lover outside a busy restaurant in broad daylight. Matthew Dedmon, a 49-year-old pastor from Springfield, Missouri, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action after allegedly killing Joe Newburn, 57, whom he suspected of having an affair with his wife.
The incident occurred in the Ozark Courthouse Square Historic District, a bustling area of Ozark, Missouri, where Dedmon reportedly drove his truck and discovered his wife with Newburn. Fueled by his suspicions, Dedmon is alleged to have approached Newburn and, in a fit of rage, shot him multiple times. Newburn was immediately taken to Cox South Hospital in Springfield, but he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
According to the Ozark Police Department, the shooting took place in front of a busy restaurant, placing not only the two men involved but also nearby bystanders in grave danger. Dedmon’s actions, the authorities said, endangered everyone in the area, as the gun was reportedly fired three to four times during the altercation.
Initially, Judge Laura Johnson denied bond for Dedmon, citing the seriousness of the charges and the potential danger to the public. In her September 2022 ruling, Johnson emphasized that Dedmon’s possession and use of a loaded firearm in a public square showed poor judgment and posed significant risks. “This put everyone on the square in grave danger,” Judge Johnson wrote in her decision, noting that Dedmon’s behavior was out of character, raising concerns about his decision-making abilities. She added, “The seriousness of the charge increases the risk that defendant will not appear,” justifying the denial of bond at the time.
However, in a surprising reversal, on October 1, 2023, Judge Johnson reconsidered her decision. She granted Dedmon bond, setting it at $30,000. As part of the conditions for his release, Dedmon was ordered to remain under house arrest and wear a GPS monitoring device to track his movements. He is only allowed to leave his home for court appearances or emergency medical situations, under strict court supervision.
This decision followed a defense motion in which Dedmon’s attorneys argued that their client should be granted bond. They presented evidence that the shooting was out of character for the pastor, and they sought to convince the court that Dedmon was not a flight risk. Dedmon, who served as the pastor of Heritage Baptist Church in Rogersville, Missouri, had no prior criminal record, and his legal team asserted that his past behavior demonstrated that he was not a danger to society.
As of the most recent court filings, Dedmon had not yet been released from the Christian County Jail. Jail records from Wednesday indicated that he was still in custody as of that day. His release was expected to follow shortly, pending the completion of legal formalities and bond payment.
The shooting incident has sent shockwaves through the small Missouri community, especially given Dedmon’s standing as a religious leader. Dedmon had been serving as a pastor in Rogersville, a small town in the Ozarks, for several years before the incident occurred. His sudden and violent outburst has raised questions about his mental and emotional state at the time of the shooting.
As the trial date approaches, the case continues to garner significant attention, with many members of the community closely following its developments. Dedmon’s murder trial is scheduled to begin on March 3, 2024. The case is expected to delve into not only the facts surrounding the shooting but also the deeper personal dynamics between Dedmon, his wife, and Newburn.
The case also shines a spotlight on issues related to domestic relationships, jealousy, and how emotional turmoil can lead to tragic consequences. In a town like Ozark, where such violent incidents are rare, the trial is likely to remain a topic of discussion for months to come.
Despite his release on bond, Dedmon still faces the weighty charges of first-degree murder and armed criminal action. If convicted, he could face life in prison without the possibility of parole. The upcoming trial will likely be a complex and emotionally charged legal battle, involving questions about motive, state of mind, and the degree of premeditation involved in the shooting.
As the trial date nears, the community will be watching closely to see how the legal system addresses this high-profile case involving a man who once preached forgiveness and faith, now facing the harsh consequences of his own actions.
