2017-07-19 Wilson
Murder of Brandon Lamar Washington
Brandon Lamar Washington, a 26-year-old Amarillo man, was fatally shot in the early morning hours of July 19, 2017, near Amarillo Boulevard and North Polk Street. Matthew Dewon Wilson, then 30, was arrested the same day and later convicted of murder, receiving a 42-year prison sentence following a February 2024 trial.
Background
People had gathered at a house on Tyler Street near Amarillo Boulevard on the night of July 18–19, 2017, to socialize and play video games. The gathering turned chaotic when gunshots rang out.
Shooting
At approximately 1:14 a.m. on July 19, 2017, Amarillo Police Department (APD) officers were dispatched to Amarillo Boulevard West and North Polk on a report of shots fired and a person on the ground. Washington was shot in the hip and chest as he tried to flee. He ran roughly two blocks before collapsing near the corner of Polk and Amarillo Boulevard, where he was located by EMS. He was found in the parking lot of KL Discount, a convenience store in the 800 block of North Tyler Street.
Washington was taken to a hospital, where he died from his gunshot wounds shortly after arrival.
Witnesses said the shooter, Wilson, had never met Washington before that night and that the attack was unprovoked — Wilson allegedly fired at Washington as he attempted to run away.
Investigation and arrest
APD's Special Crimes Unit initially sought public tips through Amarillo Crime Stoppers, offering a cash reward for anonymous information. Later that same day — July 19, 2017, at 6:25 p.m. — 30-year-old Matthew Dewon Wilson was arrested and booked into Potter County Jail on a murder charge after the 47th District Attorney's Office accepted the charge.
Indictment
On Wednesday, September 27, 2017, a grand jury indicted Wilson for Washington's murder. Court documents show a sentencing enhancement for Deadly Conduct – Discharging a Firearm, tied to a prior 2007 conviction on that charge.
Bond forfeiture and fugitive status
By November 2020, Wilson — then 33 — had skipped bond and was wanted by the Potter County Sheriff's Office for bond forfeiture on both the murder charge and a separate aggravated robbery charge. He was described as 5 feet 11 inches tall, 165 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. Amarillo Crime Stoppers offered a $300 reward for information leading to his arrest.
Trial and sentencing
Wilson's case went to trial the week of February 5, 2024, in the 251st District Court. A jury convicted him of murder, and he elected to have the judge assess punishment rather than the jury. Following a punishment hearing, Judge Ana Estevez sentenced Wilson to 42 years in prison for Washington's murder.
People
- Brandon Lamar Washington — victim; 26 years old at time of death
- Matthew Dewon Wilson — convicted of murder; 30 at time of arrest (33 by 2020); prior 2007 conviction for Deadly Conduct – Discharging a Firearm
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| July 19, 2017, ~1:14 a.m. | Shooting occurs near Amarillo Blvd/N. Polk; Washington collapses and later dies |
| July 19, 2017, 6:25 p.m. | Wilson arrested, booked into Potter County Jail for murder |
| Sept. 27, 2017 | Wilson indicted by grand jury, with firearm enhancement |
| Nov. 12, 2020 | Wilson named a fugitive after bond forfeiture on murder and aggravated robbery charges |
| Week of Feb. 5, 2024 | Jury trial in 251st District Court; Wilson convicted of murder |
| Feb. 2024 | Judge Ana Estevez sentences Wilson to 42 years in prison |
Sources
- Police in search for suspect responsible in fatal shooting in north Amarillo — ABC7 Amarillo, Andrea Guerrero
- Man indicted for murder of 26-year-old Amarillo man — ABC7 Amarillo, Brooke Self
- Officials: Man wanted for bond forfeiture on murder and aggravated robbery charges — NewsChannel 10 (KFDA)
- 47th District Attorney's Office press release, "Wilson sentenced to 42 years in prison"