James Dewey Matthews, a 42-year-old white male from Crestview, FL, was tragically shot and killed on August 21, 2021. The incident occurred at a residence on East Walnut Avenue in Crestview. Matthews, who was affectionately known as "Dewey," was remembered by his family as a devoted family man who brought joy and laughter to those around him. He was particularly close to his two grandchildren, Laila and Jaxon, who were deeply affected by his untimely death.
The man accused of killing
Matthews is 37-year-old Johnny Lee Akins Jr., also from Crestview. Akins allegedly shot Matthews at the East Walnut Avenue residence and then transported his body in a vehicle to Escambia County. The vehicle was later found partially on fire near a gas station. Akins was apprehended by the Escambia County Sheriff's Office and subsequently extradited to Okaloosa County, where he faced charges of murder and destroying evidence. Akins was held without bond.
In the days leading up to the incident, Akins had sought mental health treatment at a hospital in Pensacola. His wife, Leticia Akins, reported that he had been experiencing severe manic episodes and had pleaded with the hospital staff to keep him for evaluation. Unfortunately, he was released and placed on a waiting list for further care. Leticia Akins expressed her sorrow over the incident, stating that her husband and Matthews were friends and that Johnny would not have committed the act if he had been in his right mind.
The case against Johnny Lee Akins Jr. involved multiple legal proceedings, including his arrest and extradition, as well as the charges of murder and evidence tampering. The investigation revealed that Akins had a history of mental health issues and a criminal record dating back to 2012, which included several drug-related charges. The tragic death of James Dewey Matthews highlighted the complexities of mental health and the devastating impact it can have on individuals and their families.
