Perryville man accused of killing infant son set for pretrial in February

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- A 20-year-old Perryville man charged with first-degree murder in the death of his 9-month-old son is scheduled for pretrial Feb. 28 before Associate Circuit Judge Gary A. Kamp in Perry County courthouse.

Matthew R. Lindsey admitted to authorities that in an effort to quiet Robert M. Lindsey's cries Dec. 7 he held the child's face against his chest for about five minutes until he stopped moving, according to the probable-cause statement.

The elder Lindsey then went to sleep for about seven hours, according to the statement, and when he awoke he discovered his son was dead.

The baby was pronounced dead that day at Perry County Memorial Hospital, according to the affidavit.

If convicted of the charge, Lindsey faces a life sentence in prison without eligibility for parole. He is in Perry County Jail on a $500,000 bond as of Friday.

Lindsey initially told police he didn't know why his son had died.

His story didn't match evidence found at the scene or testimony from a witness at the residence, Perryville police chief Keith B. Tarrillion said Tuesday.

Lindsey was interviewed again Dec. 10, at which time he told police he held the child to his chest until he stopped moving, according to the affidavit.

The court document states that Lindsey told authorities he has an anger management problem.

Perry County Prosecuting Attorney Thomas L. Hoeh said Friday he is in the process of issuing subpoenas to witnesses for the February court date.

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