Pastor Shoots Wife's Lover Point-Blank Outside Busy Restaurant

Matthew Dedmon's mug shot. Photo courtesy of Christian County Jail.

A shocking love triangle in the Missouri Ozarks has left a community stunned and a pastor behind bars. A man of faith allegedly turned to violence, tracking down his wife's lover and shooting him at point-blank range at a crowded restaurant. Here's everything we know about the case that's captivated the nation.

The Day of the Shooting

On May 28, 2022, Matthew Dedmon, then 47, confronted 57-year-old Joe Newburn outside the Iguana Roja Restaurante in the Ozark Courthouse Square Historic District. Dedmon had allegedly suspected Newburn of having an affair with his wife and spotted the two sitting together in a car. What followed was a tragic escalation of emotions as Dedmon shot Newburn multiple times in the chest. Newburn succumbed to his injuries the next day at Cox South Hospital, according to a statement from the Ozark Police Department. Dedmon, a pastor at Heritage Baptist Church, was charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action.

For two years, he remained in custody without bond, a stark contrast to his once-revered position in the community.

Why Dedmon Was Denied Bond

In September 2022, Judge Laura Johnson ruled to detain Matthew Dedmon without bond, citing the potential risk to public safety. In her decision, Johnson emphasized that Dedmon's actions of firing a loaded gun three to four times in a busy public square endangered everyone in the area.

Although witnesses described the shooting as out of character for Dedmon, the judge expressed concern over his judgment and decision-making in such a volatile situation. Johnson also noted the gravity of the first-degree murder charge, suggesting it increased the likelihood that Dedmon might not appear in court. Based on these factors, she deemed him a "grave danger" and ordered his continued detention.

Judge Reverses Bond Decision

After two years of contentious legal battles over witness endorsements and discovery motions, Judge Laura Johnson reversed her no-bond ruling on Oct. 1, 2024. Dedmon was granted a $30,000 bond but under strict conditions. He is required to wear a GPS monitor and remain on house arrest, leaving his home only for court appearances or emergency medical needs, according to court documents. This decision came after Johnson sided with the state's amended motion to endorse witnesses, signaling progress in the case. Dedmon's trial is scheduled for March 3, 2025, where he will face first-degree murder and armed criminal action charges.

As the trial date approaches, the case continues to captivate attention, leaving the community and the nation awaiting answers to how a trusted pastor's life unraveled in such a shocking and tragic way.

References: Missouri Ozarks pastor charged with murder shot wife's lover at point-blank range: police | Pastor charged with first-degree murder of man tracked down at restaurant and shot over affair with wife just got a chance to get out of jail on $30,000 bond