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Coleman Update -
May 20, 2009 People of the State Of Illinois Versus Christopher Coleman Accused Pleads Not Guilty – Will Next Appear In Court June 10 Christopher Coleman was transported from the Monroe County Jail to the courthouse this morning in the back of a squad car. As he exited the vehicle he was greeted with jeers from a crowd which had gathered at the car port. They shouted several derogatory comments, including “Baby killer” and “Murderer.” County deputies soon whisked him away inside a side entrance. Coleman entered the courtroom at approximately 10:50 a.m., wearing an orange jump suit and red sandals; his hands and feet were shackled in chains. His face appeared solemn, with little expression or emotion. Coleman was accompanied by his attorney, William Margulis. Circuit Judge Stephen Rice of St. Clair County presided over the case as Monroe County Judge Dennis Doyle was out of town. Rice made sure Coleman and Margulis were aware of the three counts of first degree murder, and they acknowledged those facts. Judge Rice said, if convicted, the charges could bring life in prison and a fine of up to $25,000. “But it would be up to the state as to whether they seek the death penalty,” he added. “How do you plea,” Rice then inquired. “Not guilty,” was the response. Coleman’s preliminary hearing was set for June 10, at 10 a.m., at the Monroe County Courthouse. The accused was then lead out of the courtroom by three county deputies. He was transported back the Monroe County Jail where he will wait until his hearing. Columbia Police Chief Joe Edwards was in attendance in the courtroom. He declined to provide any comment regarding today’s proceedings. Besides Edwards, there appeared to be only media personnel at the arraignment. No family members from either side were observed in attendance.
News Follow-Up - May 20, 2009
Coleman’s
First Hearing Is This Morning Christopher Coleman is scheduled to appear this morning at the Monroe County Courthouse in front of a judge for an arraignment hearing pertaining to charges brought upon him. The Columbia Police Department and State’s Attorney Kris Reitz filed charges last night of three counts of first degree murder in the case involving the May 5 death of Coleman’s wife, Sheri, and sons Gavin and Garett. Coleman’s attorneys Art and Will Margulis are reported to be on their way to the Monroe County Courthouse from their St. Louis offices at this moment. According to reports, Coleman is expected to plead not guilty.
 Television, radio and newspaper media personnel have converged around the Monroe County Courthouse in anticipation of Coleman’s hearing this morning.
 Several large satalite equipped vehicles are parked around the courthouse.
Breaking News - May 19, 2009
Christopher
Coleman Charged In Slaying Of His Family The Columbia Police Department obtained an warrant this evening to arrest Christopher Coleman on three charges of murder relating to the death of his wife, Sheri, and sons Gavin and Garett. They were found strangled to death inside their Columbia home on May 5, exactly two weeks ago. Major Case Squad Deputy Jeff Connor confirmed the cause of death of each was ligature strangulation (a rope tightened around the neck). Columbia Police Chief Joe Edwards said they believed investigators had obtained sufficient evidence against Mr. Coleman to make an arrest. The accused was taken into custody earlier this evening at his parent’s home in Chester. Coleman is expected to appear before Judge Dennis Doyle Wednesday morning at the Monroe County Courthouse. He is being held overnight without bond at the Monroe County Jail.
News Follow-Up - May 19, 2009
Columbia
Eagles Win Soccer Regional
A single goal and solid defense was the determining factor in Columbia’s 1-0 victory Tuesday over Freeburg in the championship game of the Girls’ Soccer Class 1A Columbia Regional at Oerter Park. Junior midfielder Lindsay Nanna tallied the lone goal for the Eagles. The star of the game was sophomore goalie Diana Mantia who turned back an onslaught of shots by the Freeburg opponents. In particular, she left her feet on three occasions to make spectacular diving stops. The Eagles will head to Metro-East Lutheran on Thursday to take on the winner of the Alton-Marquette Regional. Kick-off is at 7 p.m.
County Road
District Commissioners Sworn In
Newly-Elected
Columbia Officials Begin Their Terms
Hoeffken And Unnerstall Recognized For Years Of Service To Columbia During Tuesday’s Columbia City Council meeting, Columbia Mayor Kevin Hutchinson recognized two long-time public officials who did not win re-election in the April ballot. He presented plaques to 16-year City Clerk Wes Hoeffken and eight-year Alderman Jay Unnerstall. Each were also given a bouquet of flowers to give to their wives.
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