05/05/2009 - Report #441 - Victims: Sheri, Garett, and Gavin Coleman - Location: Columbia, IL
MCS Report #441
Classification: Homicide
Requesting Agency: Columbia, IL Police Department
Date of Activation: 05/05/2009
Commander and Department: Maj. Jeff Connor, Granite City PD
Deputy Report Officer and Department: Det. Sgt. Justin Barlow, Columbia PD
Victims: Sheri A. Coleman, Garett Dominic Eugene Coleman, and Gavin Christopher Coleman
Suspect: Christopher Coleman
The Columbia Police Department requested the assistance of the Major Case Squad in investigating the deaths of Sheri Coleman (age 31) and her two sons, Garett Coleman (age 11) and Gavin Coleman (age 9). At approximately 6:50am, police officers responded to the 2800 block of Robert Drive for a well-being check. There they found Sheri, Garret, and Gavin Coleman deceased inside their residence. They had each been strangled with a ligature.
As a result of this investigation, Sheri’s husband and Garett and Gavin’s father, Christopher Coleman (age 32) was charged with 3 counts of 1st Degree Murder in connection with his family’s death. He was arrested on a no-bond warrant.
Maj. Jeff Connor, deputy commander of the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis, announced charges against Christopher Coleman during a press conference.
