Written by :
Published on :
A beloved poker pro, James “Matt” Lushin, was found dead in a pool of blood on March 12 inside his Westfield, Indiana home. On Monday, authorities announced the arrest of a man they believed killed Lushin.
Westfield Police took Ronald Dewayne Brown Jr. into custody Friday on a preliminary charge of murder.
Hamilton County Prosecutor Josh Kocher confirmed Monday that Brown Jr. was arrested in relation to the death of the 47-year-old poker pro.
On March 12, police arrived and located Lushin deceased inside his residence. WPD said that officers observed “apparent trauma” on his body as detectives arrived to investigate.
After initially listing the death as suspicious, Westfield police revealed they were investigating the death as a homicide.
Local and state agencies executed warrants at multiple addresses based in Indianapolis on Friday morning. These included the 3300 block of North Butler Avenue and the 1800 block of James Run Way. Detectives found a Glock 26 handgun underneath a chest of drawers at one of the residences believed to be occupied by Brown Jr.
“Due to the active nature of this case, limited details are available for release at this time. We understand the public wants answers, and we assure you additional information will be provided when appropriate,” Westfield PD said in a post on its official Facebook account. “We want to reiterate that this is believed to be an isolated incident and there is no ongoing threat to the public.”
Investigators have indicated that the case may involve alleged marijuana distribution, according to statements contained in probable cause documents. Those claims have not yet been proven, and no formal charges related to drug activity were filed against Lushin.
Police say they uncovered 11 pounds of the drug in sealed packaging stored in a safe on Lushin's property, according to the affidavit. The safe had been breached when officers arrived on the scene.
A lengthy probable cause, gathered from investigative evidence, accuses Brown of murdering Lushin over thousands of dollars of debt owed to the poker player.
Acquaintances of Brown and Lushin said the pair were business partners. The two allegedly communicated via encrypted apps such as Signal. Brown had also sent Lushin roughly $18,000 over CashApp in the last year. Those payments stopped on March 5.
Witnesses said Lushin “fronted” Brown thousands of dollars worth of marijuana to sell. One witness estimated Lushin supplied Brown with $50,000 worth, or more, of marijuana— with Brown significantly indebted to Lushin.
Police tracked down Brown through footage of a black Dodge Durango scoping out Lushin’s home. That vehicle had been rented from a business at the Indianapolis airport.
“The murder of James Lushin by Ronald Brown Jr. would have erased the debt or need to pay back the ‘front’ that Lushin provided Brown,” investigators stated as the potential motive.
Lushin traveled across the globe to participate in high stakes poker tournaments, cashing out in dozens of events. His live winnings totaled $69, 552 at the time of his death.
Lushin’s largest career cash came in 2015, when he captured first place in the $250 No-Limit Hold’em (Event #9) at the Chicago Poker Classic in Hammond, earning $52,000.
Among his many friends was a teary-eyed Ben Grise, who spoke fondly of Lushin while attending the PokerGo Cup just two days after learning of his death.
"You always knew you could hangout with him and he'd put a smile on your face," Grise said. "It was tough to find that out after the first final table yesterday, I found out. But all of our poker friends kept it from me the whole time because they knew trying to carry that, all that emotion at the table would be hard for me to focus."
Lushin is survived by his son Leighton Miles Lushin as well as his mother and stepfather, grandmother, and other siblings.
An obituary for Lushin read as follows:
"Matt served many callings during his life, but none was more important than the parenting and raising of his son Leighton. He was an outstanding Father and worked very hard to see that Leighton was cared for and loved. The testament to a good man is the character of the children he raises. Matt exceeded in fatherhood and strived to be a model parent
"Matt graduated from Kokomo High School and was a key partner with the real estate investment company, FLF Property. Matt was also a respected and accomplished member of the international poker community. He traveled the world competing in tournaments and built an impressive and successful career.
"Matt’s unexpected passing leaves behind a presence that was truly larger than life. Matt was a bright light in every room he entered. He was brilliant, magnetic, and unforgettable.
"His quick wit was a window into his expansive intellect, and his humor was constant and effortless. Matt never went anywhere without making people laugh. He had a rare gift: he could lift your spirit in an instant and take you away from your troubles. His insight and unique perspective, always on display, would often leave you both inspired and in awe.
"Matt expressed himself not only through words, but through movement. Coordinated and rhythmic, he was an artist with his body. He excelled in martial arts, dance, and yoga, combining strength with grace. Seeing his 6'3" frame move effortlessly and light on his feet was inspiring as well as entertaining. He could certainly “cut a rug” as well as pack a punch. He was a natural athlete, and he also loved golf. Whether playing courses all over the country with his buddies or playing putt-putt with his son, Matt played it with both skill and joy.
"Matt possessed a rare depth of thought. He was introspective, spiritual, philosophical, and relentlessly committed to self-improvement. Exceptionally intelligent and endlessly curious, he pursued knowledge with intention, often immersing himself in higher learning and big ideas. He believed deeply in leading by example for his son, modeling a life of growth, reflection, and purpose."
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated March 20, 2026, at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Kokomo.
- Nagesh Rath, Gambling911.com
