California Man Arrested for 2nd Degree Murder in Macon County

Matthew Cassidy

By Jessie Williams 

A 31-year-old Riverside, California, man was arrested last week for second degree murder in the March 2020 death of Heidi Ann Kettles in Lafayette.

According to a copy of the sealed indictment handed down by the Macon County Grand Jury  during a special session on August 2, 2021, enough evidence was presented to lead grand jurors to believe that Matthew David Cassidy did unlawfully and knowingly kill Kettles by the unlawful distribution, delivery or dispensation of Fentanyl.

Fentanyl is stated to be Kettles’ cause of death. 

A warrant for Cassidy’s arrest was issued on August 3, 2021, and he was arrested in California by authorities there. 

Sergeant Jake Ayers, of the Macon County Sheriff’s Department, transported Mr. Cassidy back to Macon County, where he was booked on the charges of violation of probation and second degree murder on July 22, 2023.

Cassidy is scheduled to appear in general sessions court on August 9, 2023.