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On February 13, 2025, at approximately 8:14 p.m. Drew County 911 received a call about a shooting incident on Avery Rd.
Before arrival, a suspect was developed and was apprehended immediately after arrival. Matthew A. Lunsford, 28, of Monticello, was arrested and charged with Murder in the First Degree and two charges of Endangering the Welfare of a Minor.
Lunsford appeared before Judge Crews Puryear on Tuesday, February 18 for his first appearance. Judge Puryear explained that the Murder in the First Degree charge carries a sentence of 10-40 years (life). Judge Puryear added that the charges could be longer because children were present when the crime was committed.
Lunsford informed the court that he had hired private counsel and didn’t need a public defender.
Per recommendation from the state, Judge Puryear set Lunsford’s bond at $500,000. Judge Puryear also issued a no-contact order between Lunsford and the victim’s family, and Lunsford and his spouse and children should he be bonded out.
Lunsford is currently being housed in the Drew County Detention Facility. No trial date has been set at this time. The investigation into the murder of Ryan Parker is still ongoing. Please note that Lunsford is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a jury of his peers.
