OPD, MBI Confirm Arrested Police Officer “Involved” with Homicide Victim

Story updated to include a statement from Oxford Mayor Robyn Tannehill

OPD Interim Police Chief Jeff McCutchen announces that an OPD officer, Matthew Kinne, has been arrested in connection with the murder of Dominique Clayton. Photo by Alyssa Schnugg.

By Alyssa Schnugg
News Editor
alyssa.schnugg@hottytoddy.com

Oxford Police Interim Chief Jeff McCutchen stood outside of the police department behind a podium Tuesday morning telling friends and family of Dominque Clayton that OPD will make sure the slain mother of four receives justice.

“We will not hide behind our badge,” he said during the press conference. “This badge stands for truth and justice, and today is about truth and justice for Dominique.”

Clayton, 32, was found dead Sunday at her Brittany Woods home.

“It was discovered early on in the investigation that one of our officers, Matthew Kinne, a four-year office with OPD, was possibly involved with Dominque,” McCutchen said.

Friends and family said Kinne, who is married, was having an affair with Clayton.

OPD contacted the Mississippi Bureau of Investigations to take the lead on the homicide case.

“We wanted to protect the integrity of the investigation and to prove to provide the community with assurance that the investigation will be independent and unbiased,” he said.

Capt. John Poulos, director of Public Affairs for the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, said after receiving the request from OPD, MBI investigators arrived on scene and began collecting evidence and doing interviews.

“Through the course of the investigation, investigators acquired information that led to the arrest of Matthew Paul Kinne,” Poulos said.

Matthew Kinne, an OPD officer, is being held at the Panola County jail. Mug shot courtesy of MBI

Kinne, 38, was arrested Monday night and was booked into the Panola County Jail as a suspect in the murder; however, a probable cause hearing will be held to determine what, if any, charges Kinne will face.

Police said the charge could be released to the public Tuesday afternoon.

Kinne is a member of the Oxford Mounted Patrol Unit that patrols downtown on horseback on weekends and during events. He received the Mounted Officer of the Year Award from OPD earlier this year. He’s been with OPD for four years.

About 50 friends and family members of Clayton attended the press conference. Reggie Clayton, a cousin of Dominique, thanked OPD and MBI for their work.

“They’re not releasing a lot right now,” Reggie said. “It’s so early in the case and they’re making sure to cross their T’s and dot their I’s.”

Clayton’s sister, Shyjuan Clayton, said she wants the truth to be told and justice for her sister.

“We know Matt did it,” she said after the press conference. “We don’t want anyone covering it up. We want the truth for our sister.”

During the 5 p.m. Oxford Board of Aldermen meeting, Mayor Robyn Tannehill briefly addressed the press conference held earlier in the day.

“On behalf of the city of Oxford and this Board, we offer our sincere condolences to the family of Dominique Clayton,” she said during her mayor’s report. “Losing a mother of four, a sister, a daughter, is tragic beyond words. Our hearts are broken over the loss for Dominique’s precious children and family and friends.”

This is a developing story. Check with Hottytoddy.com for updates.