Matthew Mefford, 46, was shot in the head on January 28, 2025, in Rusk County and later died after being transported from a hospital in Henderson to Tyler for further care. Deputies responded to reports of a gunshot victim and found Mefford with a gunshot wound; he was placed on life support but did not survive.

Investigators identified James Dillon Little as the suspect. Arrest documents and surveillance footage indicate the encounter occurred in Little’s driveway, where Little approached a truck with Mefford standing nearby. The two argued, Little shoved Mefford down the side of the vehicle, and as Mefford stumbled with his back turned, Little allegedly retrieved a handgun and fired one shot that struck Mefford in the back of the head. Authorities say the dispute involved a woman who was present.

Little was arrested, charged with murder and held in the Rusk County Jail on a $1 million bond. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact authorities.