Second Man Tied to Murder of Poker Player James Lushin Was Arrested

Justin Andrew Jones, 40, of Indianapolis, was taken into custody Wednesday morning on suspicion of being connected to the murder of famous poker player James “Matt” Lushin.

Second Suspect Apprehended In Poker Player Murder Case

A father of one, Lushin was widely admired on the poker circuit, with over $500,000 in tournament winnings, according to PokerNews. His death came just two weeks after he recorded a cash finish at a World Series of Poker Circuit event held at Horseshoe Hammond in northwest Indiana.

Lushin was discovered dead at his home in Westfield, Indiana, on March 12. Authorities reported that he had been shot multiple times in the back. Investigators allege that Jones helped Ronald Brown Jr. carry out the killing as part of an effort to eliminate a drug-related debt. Ronald Brown Jr. was arrested on March 30 on suspicion of the killing, and according to police, he has refused to cooperate with investigators.

What Could Be the Motive for the Murder?

According to the affidavit, Brown and Lushin were involved together in a marijuana operation. Lushin had reportedly supplied Brown with about $50,000 worth of product upfront, leaving him owing a significant debt. Investigators allege that Brown could have shot Lushin to clear this debt.

Authorities said jars of marijuana were found on the counter near Lushin’s body, appearing to be in the process of being portioned into vacuum-sealed bags. Police also located an open safe in an outbuilding behind the property, which contained 11 pounds of the drug packaged and sealed, according to an affidavit.

How Is Jones Possibly Connected?

Several pieces of evidence are possibly connecting Jones to the murder. Firstly, his fingerprint was recovered from the back of the license plate on the rental car used by Brown, which had been obscured with cardboard to hide its identity.

Furthermore, cell phone records indicate Jones was at Brown’s Indianapolis residence on the morning of the killing. Surveillance footage from the airport also captured his girlfriend’s silver Dodge Durango picking up Brown after he returned the rental vehicle. Investigators also uncovered encrypted messages between the two men referencing showering and compiling a list of marijuana strains, which corresponded with the drug later found in Lushin’s safe.

An arrest warrant for Jones was issued on Friday, April 17, and he is currently being held without bond as he awaits his initial hearing.