Judge grants $30k bond to pastor charged with first-degree murder over affair shooting

A former Baptist pastor from Missouri, Matthew Lynn Dedmon, 49, charged with first-degree murder, has been granted a $30,000 bond after being held in jail for over two years without trial.

Dedmon was arrested in May 2022 after he allegedly shot 57-year-old Joe Newburn multiple times in the chest, accusing him of having an affair with his wife, authorities said.

The shooting took place outside a restaurant in the Ozark Courthouse Square Historic District, and Newburn died the next day in the hospital.

Dedmon was charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action. His case has been delayed due to discovery issues and a prolonged dispute over witness endorsements for the trial.

Initially, Judge Laura Johnson denied Dedmon bond, citing concerns over public safety and the seriousness of the murder charges. She highlighted that Dedmon’s actions, which involved firing a loaded gun outside a busy restaurant, put many people in danger and raised questions about his judgment.

However, on October 1, the judge reversed her earlier decision, granting Dedmon a $30,000 bond with strict conditions.

Dedmon is required to wear a GPS monitor and remain under house arrest, only allowed to leave for court appearances and emergency medical needs.

Dedmon, who served as a pastor at Heritage Baptist Church, argued for his release by citing the Missouri Constitution, emphasizing that he is not charged with a capital offense.

His defense also criticized the prosecution for delaying the trial with late endorsements of witnesses. Dedmon’s legal team claimed that these late endorsements would further delay the trial and justified his release on bond.

As of Monday, Dedmon had not been released from custody, according to jail records. Neither the prosecution nor Dedmon’s attorney has commented on the bond decision, citing the ongoing nature of the case.

TOP STORIES

• Texas mom who forced children to live with sibling’s decomposing body for a year faces 55 years in prison
• Boy, 8, fatally shoots himself after his grandmother left him to go spend time with friends: Police
• 10-year-old boy caught in chilling video circling a playground full of children with a stolen car: Police

Newburn, a father of five and car enthusiast, was remembered in his obituary as a beloved community member who was always well-liked by those around him.