08/12/2026
Murder Charge Filed Following Recreation Park Shooting
On August 11, 2026, at approximately 9:45 a.m., Pampa Emergency Communications received a 9-1-1 call reporting a shooting at Recreation Park, located in the 1600 block of E. Highway 60 in Pampa.
Officers with the Pampa Police Department and other first responders arrived on scene and immediately began providing aid to a male victim who had suffered a gunshot wound. The victim was subsequently airlifted to an Amarillo-area hospital in serious condition.
The Pampa Police Department Criminal Investigations Division and the Texas Rangers responded to investigate the shooting. The Gray County Sheriff’s Office and Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division also assisted with the investigation.
During the early morning hours of August 12, the victim, identified as 48-year-old John “JJ” Mathis of Pampa, died as a result of injuries sustained in the shooting. Potter County Justice of the Peace Precinct One Debbie Horn pronounced Mathis deceased shortly after 1:00 a.m. and ordered an autopsy.
As previously reported, 28-year-old Christian Leith of Pampa was identified as a suspect during the investigation. Investigators developed information identifying Leith through witness statements, surveillance video, a Crime Stoppers tip, and automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology. Based on the investigation, an arrest warrant was initially obtained for Leith for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon.
During the afternoon of August 11, investigators received an ALPR alert indicating that Leith’s vehicle had been detected near Wichita Falls. Law enforcement agencies in the area were notified to be on the lookout for the vehicle. A subsequent ALPR alert indicated the vehicle was traveling southbound on U.S. Highway 287 toward Decatur.
The Decatur Police Department was notified and later located and stopped the vehicle. Leith was taken into custody without further incident and subsequently booked into the Wise County Jail.
Following the death of Mr. Mathis, investigators obtained an additional arrest warrant for Leith for the offense of Murder. Leith remains in custody at the Wise County Jail.
The Pampa Police Department extends its condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr. Mathis. We also thank the numerous law enforcement agencies, first responders, witnesses, and community members whose cooperation and assistance contributed to the investigation and apprehension of the suspect.
This remains an active investigation.
