The killing of a widely known poker participant in Westfield is placing new deal with the monetary relationships that may develop across the recreation, and how they can turn dangerous.
Ronald Dewayne Brown Jr., an Indianapolis resident now charged with homicide, was arrested March 27 in reference to the taking pictures. Prosecutors filed the cost in Hamilton County on Monday (March 30), and court records seen by ReadWrite present he’s being held with out bond whereas awaiting trial.
Authorities say Brown is accused of killing James “Matt” Lushin, a revered determine on the regional poker circuit and an actual property investor. Investigators imagine the battle between the 2 males centered on cash, although circuitously on poker losses.
Police discovered Lushin shot a number of instances inside his Westfield residence on March 12. Whereas processing the scene, investigators reported discovering marijuana and packaging supplies, together with sealed baggage and bigger portions saved in a secure.
Westfield poker participant case brings off desk dealings into focus
Officers discovered Lushin with a number of gunshot wounds inside his Westfield residence on March 12. Whereas processing the scene, investigators reported discovering marijuana and packaging supplies, together with sealed baggage and bigger portions saved in a secure, in line with court docket filings cited by WTHR.
Inside poker circles, cash typically strikes by means of casual channels similar to staking, shared motion or short-term loans. Authorities say these sorts of preparations can typically intersect with different enterprise exercise.
Investigators imagine Lushin was concerned in intensive playing exercise, together with journeys to Europe for tournaments and money video games. The identical filings reference revealed information, stating that he had gained: “$511,000 in reside match cashes, together with fourth-place end for $69,542 in a 2025 World Sequence of Poker Circuit (WSOPC) Primary Occasion in Amsterdam.”
The information additionally point out that members of the family and acquaintances instructed investigators Lushin frequently took half in native video games in Carmel and Indianapolis and was believed to be concerned in marijuana distribution.
One particular person instructed investigators that somebody referred to as “RB” owed Lushin hundreds of {dollars}. One other particular person described the connection otherwise, saying the 2 males had been enterprise companions. The supply alleged Lushin equipped marijuana to Brown for resale and that Brown owed him cash.
The identical particular person mentioned Lushin had “fronted” Brown between $20,000 and $70,000 value of marijuana, primarily based on the court docket filings cited by WTHR.
Monetary information referenced within the case embrace a number of CashApp transactions between the 2 males, with funds labeled in numerous methods.
Investigators say they recognized Brown as a suspect utilizing surveillance video, telephone information and monetary exercise. The filings describe a rented SUV close to the house, together with communication information and a collection of funds within the months main as much as the taking pictures.
A search of Brown’s residence reportedly turned up objects just like these discovered at Lushin’s residence, together with a firearm according to the weapon believed to have been used, in line with the identical filings.
Lushin had remained lively in regional tournaments within the weeks earlier than his demise and was widely known amongst gamers for his outcomes and regular presence.
Brown appeared in court docket March 30 for an preliminary listening to, the place he was suggested of the cost and his rights. A jury trial is scheduled for August 2026.
The allegations described in court docket paperwork haven’t been confirmed in court docket. Brown has been charged however not convicted.
Featured picture: Hamilton County Circuit Court
The put up Killing of Westfield poker player Matt Lushin reveals tensions beyond the table appeared first on ReadWrite.
