Pastor’s Bond Granted After Alleged Lover’s Shooting Shocks Community

A pastor from the Ozarks in Missouri has been granted bond after spending two years incarcerated for allegedly shooting a man he believed to be his wife’s lover. The incident took place in broad daylight outside a busy restaurant.

Matthew Dedmon, aged 49 and a pastor from Springfield, reportedly drove his truck to the Ozark Courthouse Square Historic District. There, he allegedly saw his wife with Joe Newburn, a 57-year-old man Dedmon suspected was having an affair with her.

Initially, Judge Laura Johnson had denied bond, citing the severity of the charges against Dedmon. However, on October 1, she reversed her decision, setting bond at $30,000.

“The evidence is that defendant possessed a loaded gun on the square in Ozark outside a busy restaurant, and that gun was discharged three to four times, resulting in the victim’s death,” Judge Johnson noted. “This put everyone on the square in grave danger.”

The Ozark Police Department confirmed that Newburn was pronounced dead upon arrival at Cox South Hospital in Springfield. Dedmon now faces charges of first-degree murder and armed criminal action.

Judge Johnson had previously expressed concerns about Dedmon’s decision-making, stating, “The seriousness of the charge increases the risk that defendant will not appear.”

Despite these concerns, the decision was made to release Dedmon on bond, with strict conditions attached. He is required to wear a GPS monitoring device and remain under house arrest.

“Defendant may leave his home only for court appearances and emergency medical attention,” Johnson stipulated.

At the time of reporting, Christian County Jail records had not yet indicated Dedmon’s release. His legal team had argued for bond, emphasizing that their client should be granted this opportunity.

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