Home / Crime and Justice / Pampa Man Arrested in Deadly Park Shooting
Pampa Man Arrested in Deadly Park Shooting
13 Aug
Summary
- Christian Leith arrested in Wise County for fatal shooting.
- John 'JJ' Mathis pronounced dead from apparent gunshot wounds.
- Automated license plate readers aided suspect's capture.
A fatal shooting that occurred Tuesday morning in a Pampa city park has led to the arrest of Christian Leith, 28. Pampa police announced Wednesday that Leith was apprehended in Wise County, North Texas. He faces charges including Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and murder.
The incident began around 9:45 a.m. Tuesday when Pampa Emergency Communications received a 911 call reporting a shooting. Responders found John "JJ" Mathis, 48, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Mathis was later pronounced dead by a Justice of the Peace on Wednesday.
Leith was identified as the suspect through a combination of witness accounts, surveillance footage, a tip to Crime Stoppers, and automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology. An arrest warrant was issued, and ALPR alerts tracked Leith's vehicle traveling south on U.S. Highway 287.
Authorities were alerted, and the Decatur Police Department located and stopped Leith's vehicle. He was taken into custody without further incident and booked into the Wise County Jail. The Pampa Police Department extended condolences to Mathis's family and thanked all assisting agencies and individuals.
