Murder Suspect Arrested Two Weeks After Poker Player Found Dead in Home

Indianapolis poker community mourns loss of respected player James 'Matt' Lushin

Mar. 29, 2026 at 5:18pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single poker chip reflecting a faint red light, conceptually representing the investigation into a local poker player's death.The tragic death of a beloved local poker player sparks an investigation and mourning within the close-knit Indianapolis gaming community.Westfield Today

The Indianapolis poker community is reeling from the death of James 'Matt' Lushin, a well-known and respected player found dead in his Westfield, Indiana home on March 12. An arrest has been made in connection with the homicide: Ronald Dewayne Brown Jr. was taken into custody on March 27 and is being held without bond in the Hamilton County Jail.

Why it matters

Lushin was a beloved figure in the local poker scene, known for his humor, engaging personality, and success as a real estate investor and tournament player. His tragic death has deeply impacted his close friends and the broader poker community in Indiana and beyond.

The details

Lushin, 47, had over $500,000 in live tournament cashes and recently cashed in a World Series of Poker Circuit event before his death. His poker journey extended beyond Indiana, with cashes on both the PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) in the Netherlands and Spain. Lushin's close friend, Ben Grise, competed in PokerGO Tour (PGT) high roller events in Las Vegas shortly after learning of Lushin's death, reaching two final tables and finishing second in consecutive $10,000 No-Limit Hold'em tournaments for a total of $273,000, playing with a heavy heart.

  • Lushin was found dead in his Westfield, Indiana home on March 12.
  • Ronald Dewayne Brown Jr. was arrested on March 27 and is being held without bond in the Hamilton County Jail.
  • A Mass of Christian Burial was held on March 20 at the Arc Catholic Church in Kokomo, Indiana, to honor Lushin's life.

The players

James 'Matt' Lushin

A well-known and respected member of the Indianapolis poker community, known for his humor, engaging personality, and success as a real estate investor and tournament player. He had over $500,000 in live tournament cashes and recently cashed in a World Series of Poker Circuit event before his death.

Ronald Dewayne Brown Jr.

The suspect arrested in connection with Lushin's murder, taken into custody on March 27 and being held without bond in the Hamilton County Jail.

Ben Grise

Lushin's close friend, who competed in PokerGO Tour (PGT) high roller events in Las Vegas shortly after learning of Lushin's death, reaching two final tables and finishing second in consecutive $10,000 No-Limit Hold'em tournaments for a total of $273,000, playing with a heavy heart.

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What they’re saying

“always knew how to put a smile on your face.”

— Ben Grise, Lushin's friend

What’s next

The Westfield Police Department has not released further details regarding the suspect or the connection between Brown and Lushin. The investigation is ongoing.

The takeaway

The tragic death of James 'Matt' Lushin has deeply impacted the close-knit Indianapolis poker community, who remember him as a beloved and respected figure known for his humor, engaging personality, and success in the game. His friend's emotional performance at a high-stakes tournament highlights the profound impact of Lushin's passing.