Killing of Westfield poker player reveals tensions beyond the table

The killing of a well known poker participant in Westfield is placing new concentrate on the monetary relationships that may develop across the sport, 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 consider the battle between the 2 males centered on cash, although indirectly on poker losses.

Police discovered Lushin shot a number of occasions inside his Westfield residence on March 12. Whereas processing the scene, investigators reported discovering marijuana and packaging supplies, together with sealed luggage and bigger portions saved in a protected.

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 luggage and bigger portions saved in a protected, in response to court docket filings cited by WTHR.

Inside poker circles, cash usually strikes by 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 consider Lushin was concerned in intensive playing exercise, together with journeys to Europe for tournaments and money video games. The identical filings reference revealed data, stating that he had received: “$511,000 in stay event cashes, together with fourth-place end for $69,542 in a 2025 World Sequence of Poker Circuit (WSOPC) Primary Occasion in Amsterdam.”

The data additionally point out that members of the family and acquaintances informed investigators Lushin recurrently took half in native video games in Carmel and Indianapolis and was believed to be concerned in marijuana distribution.

One individual informed investigators that somebody often called “RB” owed Lushin hundreds of {dollars}. One other particular person described the connection in another way, saying the 2 males have been enterprise companions. The supply alleged Lushin provided 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 data referenced within the case embody a number of CashApp transactions between the 2 males, with funds labeled in varied 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 data 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 much like these discovered at Lushin’s residence, together with a firearm in step with the weapon believed to have been used, in response to the identical filings.

Lushin had remained energetic in regional tournaments within the weeks earlier than his demise and was well 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