Days after a woman was found with a gunshot wound at a rural residence northeast of Ponce De Leon, prosecutors have filed multiple felony charges against the suspect taken into custody Tuesday morning.

According to court records filed Wednesday, Matthew Roy Washington, 43, of Crane, faces five felony counts stemming from the December 8 incident: two counts of first-degree assault, armed criminal action, unlawful use of a weapon, and unlawful possession of a firearm.

What Court Documents Describe

A Stone County Sheriff's Office Detective wrote in the probable causes statement that deputies arrived shortly after 9 p.m. to a find a woman with a gunshot wound the left ear and additional head and neck injuries. A second victim later reported being assaulted while attempting to help her.

A witness told investigators that the three had been spending time together when Washington and the woman stepped outside. Moments later, the witness reported hearing a brief argument followed by a gunshot. When the witness tried to exit the home, Washington allegedly held the door shut and continued attacking her.

Court records say Washington struck the woman repeatedly with a garden gnome while saying she 'needed to die'. After the witness managed to pull her inside, Washington allegedly turned on the second victim - chasing them through the residence, throwing a propane tank, striking them, and ultimately choking them until they felt they were about to lose conciousness.

During the struggle, Washington allegedly took both victims' phones and threw them outside, preventing them from calling 911. After he fled on foot, the witness was able to locate a phone and contact authorities.

Felony Charges Filed

Washington is charged with:

• Assault in the First Degree (Class A Felony)

• Armed Criminal Action (Unclassified Felony)

• Assault in the First Degree (Class B Felony)

• Unlawful Use of a Weapon (Class B Felony)

• Unlawful Possession of a Firearm (Class B Felony)

He remains in custody. Prosecutors requested a warrant, citing Washington's prior convictions - including assaulting a law enforcement officer, burglary, and domestic assault - and stating he is a danger to the public and to the victims.

Crane.news will continue to follow this case as it moves through the court system.