Mother and two young sons Murdered [husband/father arrested]~Columbia, Ill

[nanabillie]

http://www.kmov.com/topstories/stories/kmov-st-louis-news-090505-columbia-investigation.2015271d.html</SPAN>
Police: Columbia, Ill. mother and two sons murdered


Police Tip Line: (618) 281-5151

09:27 PM CDT on Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Video: Police news conference (http://www.kmov.com/video/topvideo-index.html?nvid=358553)

http://www.kmov.com/topstories/stories/M_IMAGE.120f1266013.93.88.fa.d0.228793dc.jpg kmov
(L-R) Garett and Gavin Coleman


(KMOV) -- The search is on for a killer after investigators with the Major Case Squad say that a 31-year-old Columbia, Illinois woman and her two youngs sons were found murdered in their home.

Sources tell News 4's Laurie Waters that the family had been receiving threatening letters for about six months. Sources tell News 4 that the message, "I told you this would happen" was spray painted on a wall of the home.

Deputy Commander of the Major Case Squad Jeff Connor identified the victims as Sheri Coleman, 31, her son Garett, 11 and son Gavin 9. They were found dead at a home in the 2800 block of Robert. Neighbors tell News 4 that the children were in third and fifth grades.

Also Online Photos from the scene (http://www.kmov.com/perl/common/slideshow/sspop.pl?recid=16192&location=www.kmov.com) | 1 (http://www.kmov.com/perl/common/slideshow/sspop.pl?recid=16201&location=www.kmov.com)
Raw video from the scene (http://www.kmov.com/video/topvideo-index.html?nvid=358440)
Neighbors, police react (http://www.kmov.com/video/topvideo-index.html?nvid=358500)
Watch News 4 Coverage (http://www.kmov.com/video/topvideo-index.html?nvid=358470)
Statement from Joyce Meyer Ministries (http://www.kmov.com/news/chriscoleman.pdf)
News Release from Columbia School District (http://www.kmov.com/news/asseenonnews4/stories/kmov-stlouis-news-090505-columbia-news-release.2185c72e.html)


Connor explained how Columbia police were called to the residence just before 7 a.m. on Tuesday morning. The bodies of the three victims were found inside the residence.

Police Chief Joe Edwards called in the Major Case Squad to take over the investigation. Police say they do not have a suspect in custody, but that they are following up numerous leads in the case. Connor says that they are not ruling anyone out as a suspect.

"There are some things we just can not divulge," said Connor.

Investigators are not releasing any information regarding a possible motive, cause of death or the condition of the home. Police say that autopsies are being performed on the victims Tuesday afternoon.

Police are asking for help from the public in trying to solve the murders. Investigators are asking anyone in the neighborhood that might have seen something suspicious to call police at (618) 281-5151.

~more at link~

[Emyo]

http://www.myspace.com/littlesheric
It's set to private :1222423::1222423::1222423:

[Emyo]

http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/kwmu/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1502483&sectionID=1

Police searching for suspects in murder of mother, two sons
AP/KWMU
COLUMBIA, ILL.
(2009-05-06) Authorities said they have no suspects in custody in the killings of a Metro East woman and her two children.

Sheri Coleman, 31, and her sons Garrett, 11, and 9-year-old Gavin, were found dead Tuesday morning at their home in Columbia, Ill.

Authorities said Chris Coleman returned home early Tuesday and discovered the bodies of his wife and their children.

Major Case Squad Deputy Commander Jeff Connor said police had previous contact with Sheri and Chris Coleman related to an "unknown individual." Police also say they questioned neighbors in the past week about suspicious activity at the family's home.

Neighbors in the subdivision say the Coleman family received threatening letters and their mailbox was tampered with in the past week. Police are asking the public for any tips.

© Copyright 2009, KWMU

[Faith]

This is so very sad. I pray the suspect is located quickly.

[packy]

How horrible and I hope they catch the person/persons who did this. So sad.

[rockford2]

I wish the husband had relocated his family. Maybe that would have kept them safe?

Whatever grudge this individual might have had, why include 2 beautiful, innocent children??

[annalyzer]

PHOTO GALLERY: Security officer's wife, children murdered in Columbia, Illinois

4 hrs ago

KSDK -- The Major Case Squad has few promising leads, but investigators said they'd like the public's help in solving a triple homicide in Columbia, Illinois.

Investigators have been assigned to the deaths of a woman and two children found strangled in their home Tuesday morning.

Sources said the murders likely happened very early, possibly around 3:30 a.m. or 4:00 a.m. in the 2800 block of Robert Drive. The husband, Chris Coleman, said he found the bodies after returning home from working overnight as a security guard at the Joyce Meyer Ministries complex near Fenton.

"Chris, the husband, was flailing his arms and everything and they got hold of them and held him down and sat him down on the concrete," said neighbor Harold Rushing.

Authorities identified the victims as 31-year-old Sheri Coleman, and her two children, 11-year-old Garett and nine-year-old Gavin.

The Columbia, Illinois Police Department called upon the Major Case Squad to help with the investigation. At an afternoon news conference, Major Jeff Connor with the Major Case Squad said there were no suspects and he would not comment on a motive.

"I can confirm that there was some police interaction prior to this but we're not going to get into any specifics about that," said Connor. "I don't want people to think that's the only thing we're looking at."

Connor asked anyone with information to call the Columbia Police Department at 618-281-5151.

Police widened their search outside the home for clues, even going through trash cans. In one trash can, they found a pair of surgical pants with stains on them.

Neighbors said the family had recently received threatening notes in their mailbox. The young mother had expressed her fear to neighbors.

"We're just a few hours into this investigation and we're not ready to rule out anybody," Connor said.

A note was scrawled on the living room wall. Police would not say what was scrawled there.

Until someone is caught, neighbors said they'll step up their own security. They're planning a community meeting.

"I think a lot of people are going to think twice about locking their doors," said Jennifer Grimm.

In the meantime, they're mourning the loss of these three lives. Garett and Gavin Coleman attended Parkview Elementary. The school sent home a note to families saying counselors will be on hand this week.

"It's very upsetting. I've been shaking and crying," Grimm said.

Televangelist Joyce Meyer was at the home speaking to Coleman and consoling him.

Meyer promotes herself as one of the world's leading practical Bible teachers. She is an author of over 80 books and conducts conferences. Meyer also hosts a television and radio program.

http://www.ksdk.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=174475&provider=top

[nanabillie]

http://www.kmov.com/topstories/stories/kmov-st-louis-news-090505-columbia-investigation.2015271d.html
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Cops: Well-being check sought before 3 found dead

Police Tip Line: (618) 281-5151
10:24 PM CDT on Wednesday, May 6, 2009

View Guest book for Sheri Coleman (http://www.legacy.com/gb2/default.aspx?bookid=6189174858580)
Photos: Day 2 of investigation (http://www.kmov.com/perl/common/slideshow/sspop.pl?recid=16216&location=www.kmov.com)
Raw video: Day 2 of investigation (http://www.kmov.com/video/topvideo-index.html?nvid=358856)
Video: Police news conference (http://www.kmov.com/video/topvideo-index.html?nvid=358553)

COLUMBIA, Ill. (AP) -- The surviving husband of a southwestern Illinois woman found dead with the couple's sons asked police for a well-being check after he called their house and no one answered, investigators said Wednesday.



http://www.kmov.com/images/coleman01.jpg Courtesy: STLToday.com

Sheri, Garett and Gavin Coleman

Chris Coleman called from a gym and asked a Columbia police officer who had investigated "prior threats" related to the family for the check around 7 a.m. Tuesday, said Maj. Jeff Connor, a deputy commander of the major case squad of greater St. Louis.
Connor declined to discussed details about the alleged threats. Some neighbors in the well-kept subdivision have also said the Colemans received threatening letters and that their mailbox was tampered with in the past week.
Police got to the suburban home Tuesday morning before Chris Coleman arrived and discovered the bodies of his 31-year-old wife, Sheri, and the couple's two sons -- Garrett, 11, and Gavin, 9, Connor said.http://www.kmov.com/sharedcontent/newslink/thumbnail/www.kmov.com/0919/090506_major_case_newser_5_9718-t240.jpg
http://www.kmov.com/sharedcontent/video/img/controller_240_flash_ready.gif


Major Case Squad Wednesday briefing
> Larger player (http://www.kmov.com/video/topvideo-index.html?nvid=358938)


Shortly after the discovery of the bodies, neighbors saw Chris Coleman sitting in his driveway, two ambulances outside the house.
"He looked totally distraught," one neighbor, Regina Leveque, said on Wednesday. "He looked numb."
Autopsies are done, but neither Monroe County Coroner Julie Gummersheimer nor Connor would discuss causes of death.
"We're not ready to release anything on the manner of death," Connor said.

Also Online Photos from the scene (http://www.kmov.com/perl/common/slideshow/sspop.pl?recid=16192&location=www.kmov.com) | 1 (http://www.kmov.com/perl/common/slideshow/sspop.pl?recid=16201&location=www.kmov.com)
Raw video from the scene (http://www.kmov.com/video/topvideo-index.html?nvid=358440)
Neighbors, police react (http://www.kmov.com/video/topvideo-index.html?nvid=358500)
Watch News 4 Coverage (http://www.kmov.com/video/topvideo-index.html?nvid=358470)
Statement from Joyce Meyer Ministries (http://www.kmov.com/news/chriscoleman.pdf)
News Release from Columbia School District (http://www.kmov.com/news/asseenonnews4/stories/kmov-stlouis-news-090505-columbia-news-release.2185c72e.html)


School officials made counselors available for the boys' classmates, said Ed Settles, superintendent of Columbia Community Unit School District No. 4.
"It is difficult for any of us to understand and comprehend this horrendous act of violence," he said in a statement. He also asked residents to "remember this family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."
Chris Coleman worked security for Joyce Meyer Ministries, and Meyer visited with him after the bodies were found, ministry spokesman Roby Walker said Wednesday. The Christian ministry gave Coleman its "full support, encouragement and prayer during this time of immense grief."
Police have said no suspect is in custody.
That was unsettling news in the quiet subdivision where the Colemans lived, where many of the well-maintained homes were built about five years ago and sit along a manmade lake.
Leveque said she took her trash out and checked her mail about 1:30 a.m. Tuesday, just hours before the bodies were found. "I never saw anything," the 47-year-old said.
Leveque added that the slayings have unnerved her.
"For the first time, I was kind of looking over my shoulder," she said.

[Amusedtdth]

What a shame. I hope they find out who did this and they get just punishment.

[rockford2]

what a beautiful family!! This murder case is unerving to say the least.

[Oceanblueeyes]

http://www.fox2now.com/ktvi-triple-murder-9p-050609,0,4426293.story

Investigation Into Columbia Triple Murder Broadens
Family's Former Home In Missouri Now Being Looked Over By Cops

Major Case Squad detectives continued a search of the property Wednesday night. But the home on Robert Drive in Columbia is not the only home under surveillance. A home where the Coleman family lived three years ago in south St. Louis County was also under watch by an armed guard. That home, when the Colemans lived in it, was owned by Joyce Meier Ministries. That is Christopher Coleman's employer. He worked as a security guard.

Neighbors in the Coleman's old neighborhood have fond memories of the family. "Really nice people," says Mike Houska. "They would cut the grass for the people next door here."

Houska couldn't understand why the Coleman's old home was being watched.

More at link.......... and video

[rockford2]

anything new about this case?? Has anyone read or heard anything?

[Oceanblueeyes]

anything new about this case?? Has anyone read or heard anything?

All I have read is LE had their scuba diving team searching a lake behind the Coleman's and the MCS will be on the investigation longer than their usually 5 days.

imo

[rockford2]

All I have read is LE had their scuba diving team searching a lake behind the Coleman's and the MCS will be on the investigation longer than their usually 5 days.

imo

Please keep us posted? Thanks, Ocean. :11_2_104:

[Oceanblueeyes]

Please keep us posted? Thanks, Ocean. :11_2_104:

LOL Thanks for the big old bear hug...........hugs are nice. lol

Coleman came in today and gave his fingerprints to LE. He was accompanied by his lawyer. Wasn't there but about 45 minutes.

4:15 pm PC canceled today. No reason given.

Funeral held today for Sheri, Garrett and Gavin in Sheri's hometown.

That's about all I know that happened today, Rockford.

But I just have a gut feeling that Sheri's family is going to seek an injunction from a Judge to stop them from being sent back for internment in Coleman's hometown.

Even if her family isn't successful by going through legal means they can stall it from happening for a little while, hoping that an arrest of the true killer will be arrested soon in the meantime.

imo

[rockford2]

LOL Thanks for the big old bear hug...........hugs are nice. lol

Coleman came in today and gave his fingerprints to LE. He was accompanied by his lawyer. Wasn't there but about 45 minutes.

4:15 pm PC canceled today. No reason given.

Funeral held today for Sheri, Garrett and Gavin in Sheri's hometown.

That's about all I know that happened today, Rockford.

But I just have a gut feeling that Sheri's family is going to seek an injunction from a Judge to stop them from being sent back for internment in Coleman's hometown.

Even if her family isn't successful by going through legal means they can stall it from happening for a little while, hoping that an arrest of the true killer will be arrested soon in the meantime.

imo

IMO, this is a very interesting case. One of the first cases that I cannot figure out.....not even a clue, as to why somebody would target a mother and 2 young boys.

[annalyzer]

Does the husband have a solid alibi?

[rockford2]

Does the husband have a solid alibi?

The part that puzzles me is that the family received warnings before the mother and sons were murdered. And that the mother told neighbors about this.

Just IMO, the father doesn't seem to have been involved. Just a hunch I have. He may have been involved in whomever wanted the family dead, but IMO, not the killer(s)

[Oceanblueeyes]

Does the husband have a solid alibi?

It is really hard to confirm a tight alibi when the ME can only guesstimate within a range of time the TOD when they do the autopsy.

I think he has an alibi but I don't think that is the time they were killed. I think he said he went to Gold's Gym at 5:00 am and then tried to call Sheri around 7 am and he couldn't get her to answer so he called police to do a wellness check. Imo, they were most likely dead before he left for the gym. A neighbor heard screaming and arguing around 3 am.

Her family sure are suspicious of him. They did not list him in the obit as Sheri's husband nor the father of Gavin and Garrett in Chicago where her family is from.

The bodies did go back today to be buried in Chester, CCs hometown.

But I am really hoping and praying he had nothing whatsoever to do with any of this.

imo

[Emyo]

http://www.fox2now.com/ktvi-jim-doiron-columbia-murders-051209,0,3836833.story

Family Friend Of Chris Coleman Hopes People Don't Rush To Judgment
By George Sells
May 12, 2009

[Isabella]

http://www.fox2now.com/ktvi-jim-doiron-columbia-murders-051209,0,3836833.story

Family Friend Of Chris Coleman Hopes People Don't Rush To Judgment
By George Sells
May 12, 2009
I was watching NG tonight and thought I saw where
it said the husband did not attend the funeral. it this true,
if you know.

[Oceanblueeyes]

I was watching NG tonight and thought I saw where
it said the husband did not attend the funeral. it this true,
if you know.

Isabella, as far as I know he attended the one held in Chester where his father and mother lives but did not attend the one in Chicago where Sheri's parents are from.

His father is the Pastor at Grace Church in Chester.

imoo

[Isabella]

Isabella, as far as I know he attended the one held in Chester where his father and mother lives but did not attend the one in Chicago where Sheri's parents are from.

His father is the Pastor at Grace Church in Chester.

imoo
Thank You Ocean :)

I hope they find whoever did this, what a sad story this is.

[annalyzer]

The part that puzzles me is that the family received warnings before the mother and sons were murdered. And that the mother told neighbors about this.

Just IMO, the father doesn't seem to have been involved. Just a hunch I have. He may have been involved in whomever wanted the family dead, but IMO, not the killer(s)

It could have been set up by the husband. I'm looking at him as the perp.

[Oceanblueeyes]

Thank You Ocean :)

I hope they find whoever did this, what a sad story this is.

I hope so too, Isabella and I hope it happens soon.

I think Sheri, Gavin and Garrett's bodies were returned to Chester today so that they can be buried in CCs hometown.

imoo

[Naia]

I'm just now reading this thread. Anyone know if there was forced entry into the home? I'm wondering how the murderer got into the house. I've watched a few videos and the LE conferences and it doesn't 'look' like the doors were kicked or bashed in.

(May the family rest in peace. :( )

This grabbed my eye. The first few reports I've read reported the dad as coming home from work and finding his family murdered. This was reported by LE a day or so after the horrendous murders. http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/illinoisnews/story/4826560E9F97109B862575AE00105849?OpenDocument
COLUMBIA, ILL. -- Christopher E. Coleman was not working as an overnight security guard for Joyce Meyer Ministries when his family was murdered, the head of the Major Case Squad investigating the deaths said this afternoon.

"He wasn't working that night," said Major Jeff Connor of the Major Case Squad. :z0tdntknw: Did the husband lie about being at work?

[Naia]

From post 8 on this thread.
-- The surviving husband of a southwestern Illinois woman found dead with the couple's sons asked police for a well-being check after he called their house and no one answered, investigators said Wednesday.
I find that curious. Did he usually call the cops to do a well check on his wife and sons when they didn't answer the phone?

It will be easy for LE to check phone records to see if he called every day at a certain time.

From post 19.
A neighbor heard screaming and arguing around 3 am.
I now know who I would question as the murderer.
He at first said he was at work. LE said he did not work the night the family was murdered. He called, got no response and called the cops to do a well check.
Did he want LE to find the bodies?!

[Naia]

Redflag
Police question girlfriend of man whose family was slain

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/laworder/story/848E00DB94E5E491862575B5001067C4?OpenDocument
LARGO, Fla. — Police are investigating a romantic relationship between a woman in Florida and Christopher Coleman, whose wife and two children were slain last week at their home in Columbia, Ill.

Detectives have acknowledged traveling to Florida last week. They were there to interview a woman described as Coleman's girlfriend, a law enforcement source close to the case said Tuesday.

A second police source confirmed the relationship. They did not say whether they think it played any role in the murders.



From the same article. The Florida woman's online profile on Classmates.com says she attended college in Tampa. Public records say she worked in a bar and as a hostess for a gentlemen's club in Tampa.

Good guy who worked for Christian ministry was possibly having an affair with his murdered wives' old high school friend. Female friend who worked as a hostess at a ahemmm gentlemen's club. (Can't make this stuff up.)

[annalyzer]

From post 8 on this thread.

I find that curious. Did he usually call the cops to do a well check on his wife and sons when they didn't answer the phone?

It will be easy for LE to check phone records to see if he called every day at a certain time.

From post 19.

I now know who I would question as the murderer.
He at first said he was at work. LE said he did not work the night the family was murdered. He called, got no response and called the cops to do a well check.
Did he want LE to find the bodies?!

Yes from the little I've read about this case it sounds to me like a cold premeditated murder of his wife and little boys. Staged harassment of the family, goes to a gym and then calls for a wellness check so someone else will find the bodies. I'd bet it won't be long he will be arrested. And now we find out he had a girlfriend.

[Naia]

annalyzer,
That's exactly what I think. Shoot, he could have had his girlfriend send threatening or harassing messages to the family. He could have messed with his own mail box. Sounds like premeditation to me, at the present anyway.

[Naia]

http://www.kmov.com/images/slideshow/090506_newcolumbia/images/image0156.jpg

Can't wait to hear if LE reports if this was turned on or not. The perp could have been caught on camera.
http://www.kmov.com/perl/common/slideshow/sspop.pl?recid=16216&nextimage=24

[annalyzer]

http://www.kmov.com/images/slideshow/090506_newcolumbia/images/image0156.jpg

Can't wait to hear if LE reports if this was turned on or not. The perp could have been caught on camera.
http://www.kmov.com/perl/common/slideshow/sspop.pl?recid=16216&nextimage=24

Where was that camera at? Seems if the family was being so harassed they'd have some kind of security thing going on. Why was he at the gym at 5am? And how far from his home was this gym that he would call LE for a wellness check instead of just going home? I have a lot of questions.

[Naia]

Look at how beautiful this family was. http://mi-cache.legacy.com/usercontent/guestbook/photos/2009-05/31742604.jpg

http://mi-cache.legacy.com/usercontent/guestbook/photos/2009-05/31748435.jpg

http://www.legacy.com/gb2/default.aspx?bookid=6189174858580

[Naia]

Where was that camera at? Seems if the family was being so harassed they'd have some kind of security thing going on. Why was he at the gym at 5am? And how far from his home was this gym that he would call LE for a wellness check instead of just going home? I have a lot of questions.

The camera is on the front porch, pointing directly at the door.

[annalyzer]

http://www.legacy.com/gb2/default.aspx?bookid=6189174858580

[annalyzer]

Police return house to Coleman

http://images.stltoday.com/stltoday/resources/chriscoleman625may11.jpg
05/11/09 - Christopher Coleman (in light colored shirt) exits the Columbia Police Department in Columbia, Ill, with his attorney on Monday afternoon. St. Louis Area Major Case Squad leader Jeff Connor said he would not comment on whether or not Christopher is even a suspect in the investigation into the slayings of his wife Sheri Coleman, 31, and her sons, Garett, 11, and Gavin, 9. They were found dead in their home at 2854 Robert Drive about 7 a.m. last Tuesday.

05/12/2009

COLUMBIA , Ill. — Police rolled up their yellow crime scene tape Monday and left 2854 Robert Avenue to Christopher Coleman, six days after his wife and two sons were slain there.

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/0/721f7ac65b144cd7862575b400082ab8/$FILE/STG27791/STG27791.gif?OpenElement

After providing his fingerprints at the Columbia police station under court order, Coleman went home and waited outside while family removed clothes and other possessions for him.

"He didn't want to go in," said his lawyer, William Margulis, who accompanied him to the house.

Coleman said nothing to reporters. Investigators from the Major Case Squad said not much more than that as the mystery headed toward its second week.

Nobody has been charged, no suspects have been mentioned, and not even the cause of death has been officially revealed. Neighbors say police told them that Sheri Coleman, 31, and sons Garett, 11, and Gavin, 9, were strangled.

Coleman, who talked to police early in the investigation, was not re-interviewed during his 30 minutes with police Monday, Margulis said.

Major Jeff Connor, deputy commander of the Major Case Squad, said: "He just came to give us some fingerprints. We are not prepared to say anybody is a suspect. We're still working on it. We feel confident we are going to solve this crime. We don't want to rush it."

Earlier Monday, detectives on the case visited Chester, Ill., where Christopher Coleman's father, the Rev. Ron Coleman, is a church pastor. Police were at the church and other locations but would not say why.

Previously, police visited Florida to talk with a friend of Sheri Coleman's.

They also have searched a lake near the Coleman home and the shoulders of the route Christopher Coleman would have taken to a St. Louis County gym early the morning of May 5. A police source said he told officers he left home about 5:30 a.m. Police said he called for help shortly before 7 a.m., concerned because he could not reach his family. Officers found the bodies.

Coleman works in security for the Joyce Meyer Ministries, a worldwide television evangelist operation in nearby Jefferson County. He had complained of threats related to his work. A police source said someone had painted "I told you this would happen" on a wall at the death scene.

Coleman's family had a funeral for the victims Saturday in Chester. Sheri Coleman's family had the bodies taken to a mortuary in Hillside, Ill., a Chicago suburb, for a separate visitation Monday before they are to be returned to Chester for burial.

In Hillside, family members gathered in small groups, talking in hushed tones. A funeral home employee said they did not want to speak publicly. Christopher Coleman did not attend.

Sheri Coleman's family had taken him to court last week, claiming he tried to renege on an agreement to hold two services. He eventually agreed to a court order to move the bodies. His in-laws said in a court filing that he did not call Sheri Coleman's family about the deaths for two days.

The Major Case Squad, a cooperative that provides manpower and expertise to small departments, normally works on a case for five days. Connor said its role will be extended at least "several more days."

(Interesting comments at link)
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/laworder/story/721F7AC65B144CD7862575B400082AB8?OpenDocument

[Faith]

The Big Bloody: Police Fingerprint Father of Strangled Family

Tuesday, May. 12 2009 @ 10:24AM

Last week Christopher Coleman hired defense attorney William Margulis to represent him in the investigation into the strangulation death of his wife, Sheri, 31, and sons Garett, 11, and Gavin, 9, at their Columbia, Illinois, home on May 5.

Yesterday Coleman and his lawyer arrived at the Columbia police station to provide fingerprints to investigators -- even though authorities have yet to name any suspects in the murders. Coleman and his attorney did not answer questions when they left the station.

A security guard for the Joyce Meyer Ministries, Coleman has told authorities that he was working out at a Missouri gym early in the morning on May 5 when someone killed his family.

When Coleman could not reach his family by phone that morning he called the police who went to the home and discovered the bodies. Christopher Coleman, 32, has also told authorities that he received anonymous threats related to his work in the weeks before the murders. A police source has leaked that someone apparently wrote "I told you this would happen" on a wall inside the home.

So, what are the odds that Coleman will be charged in the murders?

http://blogs.riverfronttimes.com/dailyrft/2009/05/the_big_bloody_police_fingerprint_father_of_strang led_family.php

[annalyzer]

A lot of interesting comments at link.

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/laworder/story/721F7AC65B144CD7862575B400082AB8?OpenDocument

[annalyzer]

Affidavit in Columbia triple murder details funeral dispute
Chris Coleman, wife's family spoke little after deaths

http://media.bnd.com/smedia/2009/05/06/16/941-Colemans.embedded.prod_affiliate.98.jpg

Wednesday, May. 13, 2009

Sheri Coleman's mother, Angela DeCicco, was alone when the LaGrange Park Police called her May 5 and informed her of the deaths earlier that morning of her only daughter and only grandchildren, according to court records.

Neither she nor her family heard from her daughter's husband for more than two days afterward, when Chris Coleman called his brother-in-law and agreed to allow the remains to be transported from Randolph County to Cook County for a funeral. He then changed his mind, according to an affidavit filed in Monroe County Circuit Court.

Coleman's attorneys Art and Bill Margulis could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

Police found Sheri Coleman, 31, and her two sons, Garett, 11, and Gavin, 9, strangled in their home at 2854 Robert Drive in Columbia in the early morning hours of May 5. Christopher Coleman, a security officer for Joyce Meyer Ministries, called police after he couldn't reach his family by telephone from a south St. Louis health club. By 7 a.m. that morning, Columbia Police had called in the Major Case Squad of the Greater St. Louis.

No one had been charged in the slayings as of Tuesday night.

After hearing about the murders, Sheri Coleman's brother, Mario Weiss, tried for two days to reach Chris Coleman, finally speaking to him about 11 a.m. May 7, according to Weiss' affidavit. Chris Coleman called and told Weiss what had happened to Sheri and their sons, and agreed to allow the remains to be transported to Cook County. That would allow Sheri Coleman's large Italian family, including many elderly relatives, to attend the funeral, according to the affidavit.

Weiss immediately offered to pay for transporting the remains, according to a court document filed by Belleville attorney Jack Carey and Chicago attorney Enrico Mirabelli, who is Sheri Coleman's cousin.

Two hours later, Weiss called Chris Coleman and said he would cover all the costs for transporting the remains and for the funeral, which was Monday.

"He then stated, 'Okay, fine. Hold on a second' whereupon, I waited approximately two to three minutes for him to make any further conversation," Weiss states in the affidavit.

"I could hear him conversing with an adult male whose voice I recognized to be the voice of his father, Ronald Coleman, but I could not understand what was being said."

Chris Coleman then told Weiss he had changed his mind, the affidavit states, and there would be only one funeral -- in Chester.

Weiss filed an application for a temporary restraining order Friday, just hours before the visitation in Chester was to begin, Chris Coleman, his lawyers Art and Bill Margulis faced Weiss, Mirabelli and Carey.

"There was some sweat on the brow," Mirabelli said Tuesday.

St. Clair County Chief Judge John Baricevic arranged for Associate Judge Brian Babka to be available to hear the case in Monroe County.

Babka issued the order, allowing Weiss to transport the remains to Chicago after the funeral Saturday in Chester.

Ronald Coleman is the minister at Grace Church Ministries in Chester -- the site of Sheri, Garett and Gavin Coleman's funeral Saturday. He presided over the service.

After a graveside service, the three caskets were transported to Chicago for the service there.

"My aunt told me, 'My babies come back, and I got closure,'" Mirabelli said.

More than 300 miles away, Chris Coleman arrived at Columbia Police Department to voluntarily submit his fingerprints.

On Tuesday morning, the Colemans' remains traveled six hours to Chester, where they will be buried at the base of a hill in Evergreen Cemetery.

http://www.bnd.com/news/crime/story/766594.html

[annalyzer]

According to this the gym where he worked out was ten minutes from his house. :eyebrow1qb:

"Wednesday, May 13, 2009 Posted by Charisse V

A security guard for Joyce Meyer ministries reportedly went to workout ten minutes from his home, only to need to call the police because his wife wasn't answering her phone. The police were called and his wife and two beautiful children were found strangled to death."

http://radiantgod.blogspot.com/2009/05/chris-coleman-security-guard-for-joyce.html

[annalyzer]

http://img1.blogblog.com/img/icon18_wrench_allbkg.png (http://www.blogger.com/rearrange?blogID=8527104731952122656&widgetType=HTML&widgetId=HTML5&action=editWidget)

Home (http://radiantgod.blogspot.com/) > Ministries (http://radiantgod.blogspot.com/search/label/Ministries), News (http://radiantgod.blogspot.com/search/label/News) > Chris Coleman security guard for Joyce Meyer ministries
Chris Coleman security guard for Joyce Meyer ministries (http://radiantgod.blogspot.com/2009/05/chris-coleman-security-guard-for-joyce.html)

Wednesday, May 13, 2009 (http://radiantgod.blogspot.com/2009/05/chris-coleman-security-guard-for-joyce.html) Posted by Charisse V




A security guard for Joyce Meyer ministries reportedly went to workout ten minutes from his home, only to need to call the police because his wife wasn't answering her phone. The police were called and his wife and two beautiful children were found strangled to death.
http://nt3.ggpht.com/news/tbn/T8T34X7wTYyL2M/6.jpg (http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/laworder/story/848E00DB94E5E491862575B5001067C4?OpenDocument) St. Louis Post-Dispatch (http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/laworder/story/848E00DB94E5E491862575B5001067C4?OpenDocument)

COLUMBIA: Coleman provides fingerprints, retains attorney (http://suburbanjournals.stltoday.com/articles/2009/05/12/monroe/news/doc4a0895d3457f9435580657.txt)

St. Louis Post-Dispatch - ‎11 hours ago‎
At around 3 pm Monday afternoon, Christopher Coleman left Columbia Police Headquarters with his attorney, William Margulis, having supplied police with his ...
No suspects identified in Columbia triple murder; father ... (http://www.bnd.com/100/story/765109.html) Belleville News Democrat

Burial set for southwestern Ill. mother, 2 sons (http://www.fortmilltimes.com/124/story/561746.html) Fort Mills Times

Ill. man gives fingerprints in triple homicide (http://www.kwqc.com/Global/story.asp?S=10342083&nav=menu83_2) KWQC 6

St. Louis Post-Dispatch (http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/laworder/story/721F7AC65B144CD7862575B400082AB8?OpenDocument) - St. Louis Post-Dispatch (http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/illinoisnews/story/57806AD1E2A2140E862575B1006DE54D?OpenDocument)
Police question girlfriend of man whose family was slain (http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&ct2=us%2F0_0_s_0_0_t&usg=AFQjCNEB49xno7yi38oesq1fXRksrylkgw&sig2=m88pCg8D5RlbpzADxBEmmA&cid=1348425081&ei=pV8KSqCVLZum8wSj6KrlAQ&rt=MORE_COVERAGE&vm=STANDARD&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.stltoday.com%2Fstltoday%2Fnew s%2Fstories.nsf%2Flaworder%2Fstory%2F848E00DB94E5E 491862575B5001067C4%3FOpenDocument)

St. Louis Post-Dispatch - ‎2 hours ago‎
May 11, 2009 - Christopher Coleman (in light colored shirt) exits the Columbia Police Department in Columbia, Ill, with his attorney. ...



Affidavit in Columbia slayings case recounts family disagreement ... (http://www.bnd.com/breaking_news/story/766370.html)

Belleville News Democrat - ‎3 hours ago‎
BY BETH HUNDSDORFER AND GEORGE PAWLACZYK - News-Democrat Sheri Coleman's mother, Angela DeCicco, was alone when the LaGrange Park Police called her May 5 ...



Triple homicide in Columbia family has local ties (http://www.randolphcountyheraldtribune.com/homepage/x362994168)

The Randolph County Herald-Tribune - ‎9 hours ago‎
By Carrie Myers/Tribune Editor Pictured is the Coleman residence located at 2854 Robert Drive in Columbia on the day of the murder. ...




"Chris Coleman is a very dear friend. Dave and I are grieving with him over this unexpected and devastating tragedy. Words are not enough. He knows that our love and sincerest prayers are with him. Chris has a long journey ahead of him, but we know that his faith is strong," Joyce Meyer said in the press release.
more by Joyce Meyer (http://news.google.com/news?ned=us&hl=en&qsid=4IZhO8TU0HOVmM) - 9 hours ago - The Randolph County Herald-Tribune (http://www.randolphcountyheraldtribune.com/homepage/x362994168) (8 occurrences)



COLUMBIA: Coleman provides fingerprints, retains attorney (http://suburbanjournals.stltoday.com/articles/2009/05/12/monroe/news/doc4a0895d3457f9435580657.txt)

St. Louis Post-Dispatch - ‎11 hours ago‎
By Joe Leicht The Major Case Squad and Columbia Police have a set of fingerprints but no suspect. And the father of two boys and husband of a woman found ...



The Big Bloody: Police Fingerprint Father of Strangled Family (http://blogs.riverfronttimes.com/dailyrft/2009/05/the_big_bloody_police_fingerprint_father_of_strang led_family.php)

Riverfront Times - ‎14 hours ago‎
By Chad Garrison in The Big Bloody Last week Christopher Coleman hired defense attorney William Margulis to represent him in the investigation into the ...



Burial set for southwestern Ill. mother, 2 sons (http://www.fortmilltimes.com/124/story/561746.html)

Fort Mills Times - ‎17 hours ago‎
COLUMBIA, Ill. — A southwestern Illinois woman and her two sons will be laid to rest as authorities continue working to find their killer. ...



Police return house to Coleman (http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/laworder/story/721F7AC65B144CD7862575B400082AB8?OpenDocument)

St. Louis Post-Dispatch - ‎May 11, 2009‎
05/11/09 - Christopher Coleman (in light colored shirt) exits the Columbia Police Department in Columbia, Ill, with his attorney on Monday afternoon. ...
http://nt3.ggpht.com/news/tbn/T8T34X7wTYyL2M/6.jpg (http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/laworder/story/848E00DB94E5E491862575B5001067C4?OpenDocument)
Police question girlfriend of man whose family was slain (http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/laworder/story/848E00DB94E5E491862575B5001067C4?OpenDocument)

St. Louis Post-Dispatch - ‎2 hours ago‎
May 11, 2009 - Christopher Coleman (in light colored shirt) exits the Columbia Police Department in Columbia, Ill, with his attorney. ...



Affidavit in Columbia slayings case recounts family disagreement ... (http://www.bnd.com/breaking_news/story/766370.html)

Belleville News Democrat - ‎3 hours ago‎
BY BETH HUNDSDORFER AND GEORGE PAWLACZYK - News-Democrat Sheri Coleman's mother, Angela DeCicco, was alone when the LaGrange Park Police called her May 5 ...



Triple homicide in Columbia family has local ties (http://www.randolphcountyheraldtribune.com/homepage/x362994168)

The Randolph County Herald-Tribune - ‎9 hours ago‎
By Carrie Myers/Tribune Editor Pictured is the Coleman residence located at 2854 Robert Drive in Columbia on the day of the murder. ...



COLUMBIA: Coleman provides fingerprints, retains attorney (http://suburbanjournals.stltoday.com/articles/2009/05/12/monroe/news/doc4a0895d3457f9435580657.txt)

St. Louis Post-Dispatch - ‎11 hours ago‎
By Joe Leicht The Major Case Squad and Columbia Police have a set of fingerprints but no suspect. And the father of two boys and husband of a woman found ...



http://nt3.ggpht.com/news/tbn/39GwouE5t2c5rM/6.jpg (http://blogs.riverfronttimes.com/dailyrft/2009/05/the_big_bloody_police_fingerprint_father_of_strang led_family.php)
The Big Bloody: Police Fingerprint Father of Strangled Family (http://blogs.riverfronttimes.com/dailyrft/2009/05/the_big_bloody_police_fingerprint_father_of_strang led_family.php)

Riverfront Times - ‎14 hours ago‎
By Chad Garrison in The Big Bloody Last week Christopher Coleman hired defense attorney William Margulis to represent him in the investigation into the ...



Burial set for southwestern Ill. mother, 2 sons (http://www.fortmilltimes.com/124/story/561746.html)

Fort Mills Times - ‎17 hours ago‎
COLUMBIA, Ill. — A southwestern Illinois woman and her two sons will be laid to rest as authorities continue working to find their killer. ...



No suspects identified in Columbia triple murder; father ... (http://www.bnd.com/100/story/765109.html)

Belleville News Democrat - ‎17 hours ago‎
BY LAURA GIRRESCH AND GEORGE PAWLACZYK - News-Democrat A week after a Columbia woman and her two young sons were strangled, police haven't named any ...



Chicago family says 'goodbye' to Columbia murder victims (http://www.bnd.com/news/local/story/765104.html)

Belleville News Democrat - ‎21 hours ago‎
BY BETH HUNDSDORFER - News-Democrat Sheri Weiss Coleman's family got the chance to say goodbye to her and her boys on Monday in Chicago. ...



http://nt3.ggpht.com/news/tbn/16BnZDi8Nfu9AM/6.jpg (http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/laworder/story/721F7AC65B144CD7862575B400082AB8?OpenDocument)
Police return house to Coleman (http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/laworder/story/721F7AC65B144CD7862575B400082AB8?OpenDocument)

St. Louis Post-Dispatch - ‎May 11, 2009‎
05/11/09 - Christopher Coleman (in light colored shirt) exits the Columbia Police Department in Columbia, Ill, with his attorney on Monday afternoon. ...



Ill. man gives fingerprints in triple homicide (http://www.kwqc.com/Global/story.asp?S=10342083&nav=menu83_2)

KWQC 6 - ‎May 11, 2009‎
AP - May 11, 2009 5:14 PM ET COLUMBIA, Ill. (AP) - A southwestern Illinois man whose wife and two children were found murdered last week in their home has ...



More services for slain wife, 2 sons (http://www.kwqc.com/Global/story.asp?S=10338580)

KWQC 6 - ‎May 11, 2009‎
AP - May 11, 2009 8:54 AM ET COLUMBIA, Ill. (AP) - Another set for services are planned for a southwestern Illinois woman slain last week with her two sons ...



Community remembers murdered Columbia family at candlelight vigil (http://www.bnd.com/homepage/story/763849.html)

Belleville News Democrat - ‎May 11, 2009‎
BY WILL BUSS - News-Democrat COLUMBIA -- Friends and people who never met Sheri Coleman and her sons Garrett and Gavin lit candles in a gathering Sunday ...



http://nt3.ggpht.com/news/tbn/PwDHQKH-lRLMLM/6.jpg (http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/illinoisnews/story/48657375458EC43F862575B30011DEF9?OpenDocument)
Community mourns slain family at vigil (http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/illinoisnews/story/48657375458EC43F862575B30011DEF9?OpenDocument)

St. Louis Post-Dispatch - ‎May 10, 2009‎
May 10, 2009 -- Kathy LaPlante (left) and Meegan Turnbeaugh, friends of Sheri Coleman, attend a candlelight vigil in honor of the Coleman family Sunday at ...



Ill. man whose wife, sons were killed hires attys (http://www.kwqc.com/Global/story.asp?S=10336598)

KWQC 6 - ‎May 10, 2009‎
AP - May 10, 2009 6:54 PM ET COLUMBIA, Ill. (AP) - The husband of a woman who was found murdered along with the couple's two sons in their southwestern ...



Funeral services held, but burial delayed, for slain Columbia ... (http://www.bnd.com/372/story/763016.html)

Belleville News Democrat - ‎May 10, 2009‎
BY BETH HUNDSDORFER - News-Democrat CHESTER -- Private funeral services were held Saturday morning for a Columbia mother and her two sons who were found ...



http://nt1.ggpht.com/news/tbn/pdpF-3Ns5H13sM/6.jpg (http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/illinoisnews/story/74A63CA512CC24EA862575B2000C3636?OpenDocument)
Family wins burial delay from court (http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/illinoisnews/story/74A63CA512CC24EA862575B2000C3636?OpenDocument)

St. Louis Post-Dispatch - ‎May 9, 2009‎
May 9, 2009 - A casket leaves funeral services of Sheri, Garett and Gavin Coleman at Grace Hill Church in Chester, Illinois. (Christian Gooden/PD) By ...



Sheri Coleman's family gets court order (http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/illinoisnews/story/57806AD1E2A2140E862575B1006DE54D?OpenDocument)

St. Louis Post-Dispatch - ‎May 9, 2009‎
By Nicholas JC Pistor CHESTER, Ill. • The bodies of murder victims Sheri Coleman and her two sons were taken to a cemetery here this afternoon, ...



http://nt0.ggpht.com/news/tbn/MIV4FTlnFFhlLM/6.jpg (http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/illinoisnews/story/D7C7D6BF29D40EBB862575B1000C7002?OpenDocument)
Major Case Squad continues to investigate killings (http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/illinoisnews/story/D7C7D6BF29D40EBB862575B1000C7002?OpenDocument)

St. Louis Post-Dispatch - ‎May 8, 2009‎
MAY 7, 2009 - Major Case Squad Detectives further investigate the crime scene on the 2800 block of Robert Drive. Sheri Coleman and her two sons were found ...



Slain Illinois mother, 2 sons remembered (http://www.southernillinoisan.com/articles/2009/05/09/ap-state-il/d98344lo0.txt)

The Southern - ‎May 9, 2009‎
CHESTER, Ill. - Funerals have been held for a southern Illinois woman and her sons who were found murdered in their home. Columbia resident Sheri Coleman ...



Slain Illinois mother, 2 sons remembered (http://www.bnd.com/326/story/762358.html)

Belleville News Democrat - ‎May 9, 2009‎
AP CHESTER, Ill. -- Funerals have been held for a southern Illinois woman and her sons who were found murdered in their home. ...



Squad will extend probe of triple slayings (http://www.bnd.com/news/local/story/762070.html)

Belleville News Democrat - ‎May 9, 2009‎
BY JACQUELINE LEE - News-Democrat The Major Case Squad will extend into next week its investigation of the slayings of a Columbia mother and her two sons, ...

http://radiantgod.blogspot.com/2009/05/chris-coleman-security-guard-for-joyce.html

[Naia]

Look closely at the pictures of the father-husband.
Does he look like someone who lost his entire family in a multiple murder? Is he racked with pain? Surrounded by grief? Inconsolable?
Imo, A picture speaks a thousand words.

[Naia]

annalyzer,
You've worked hard. Thanks for gathering all the case information. :happy0158:

[nomadpatti]

IMO, he will be arrested soon and it will be no surprise to me.

[annalyzer]

SOURCES: CHRIS COLEMAN HAS MISTRESS IN FLA-WIFE SHERI’S BFF

http://blinkoncrime.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/coleman-20and-20parents-small.jpg

Wednesday 13 May 2009 11:41 am

Columbia, Ill– Chris Coleman, whose family was slain one week ago has a mistress in Largo, FL. She is also the BFF of his late wife, Sheri. Reporters attempted to contact the woman and were told she would “never be commenting.” She graduated from Largo HS in 1996 and her profile indicates she has worked in a bar and in a gentlemen’s club as a ho stess.

Last Tuesday May 5, Police were called by Coleman to check on his family and discovered the grisly death scene. Speaking on condition of anonymity, a neighbor to the Colemans has confirmed detectives told them all three were strangled. The neighbor also told blinkoncrime.com that there was loud arguing at approximately 3 am coming from the home the morning of their deaths. When the coroner was removing the deceased mother and sons, there appeared to be messages scrawled on the inside walls with spraypaint.

Within the last 30 minutes, Chris Coleman arrived at the gravesite where his wife, Sheri Weiss Coleman, and sons Garrett 11, and Gavin 9, will be laid to rest today.

Their burial was postponed by court order to give Sheri’s family time to hold a memorial service in their honor over the weekend. Unmarked Police cars and several detectives have been following Coleman and his parents to their destinations since this morning. There are several police sources stating Coleman’s arrest is imminent and his attorneys, Margulis & Margulis, have requested in that event, their client be permitted to surrender.

Recently, Chris Coleman filed employer reports that he had been threatened as a result of his work in security for Joyce Meyers ministries. Blinkoncrime has also received information that Coleman purchased additional life insurance policies on his wife in December 2008, following her removal of her name from the deed to their home.

http://blinkoncrime.com/2009/05/13/sources-chris-coleman-has-mistress-in-fla-wife-sheris-bff/

[annalyzer]

New comment board previously posted

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/laworder/story/848E00DB94E5E491862575B5001067C4?OpenDocument#tp_n ew

[Naia]

If CC committed the crime, why kill the children too?
Maybe he wanted no responsibilities at all. :mad: :madranting94dp:

Just read that not only does CC have a girlfriend but the gf was the wives best friend. How sick and twisted is that?

[rockford2]

thanks so much for the updates!

[packy]

Yes, Anna, thank you for the updates. This case sure has a lot of puzzling circumstances. I hope they can find out what took place and are sure that others are not in danger.

[Naia]

http://www.ksdk.com/news/local/story...75221&catid=40


Major Case Squad says one person responsible for Coleman family killings.
KSDK -- One person is responsible for the deaths of a Columbia woman and her two young sons and their killings were not a random act. That's the update this afternoon from the Major Case Squad.

Major Jeff Connor and Columbia Police Chief Joe Edwards held a news conference this afternoon. Connor said that after nine days of investigation, detectives determined that one person carried out the killings, and it was not a random act. Connor would not release the name of the individual believed to have carried out the killings.


http://www.kmov.com/topstories/stories/kmov-stlouis-090512-coleman-services.1b084ae0.html Investigators have a suspect in triple murder.
(KMOV.com) -- Detectives are stopping short of announcing an arrest in the murder of a Columbia, Illinois family. Investigators with the Major Case Squad say that they have a suspect in mind but not in custody. They would not elaborate any further. Police are still appealing to the public for information about the family.

...

CHESTER, Ill. (AP) -- Investigators say one person is responsible in last week's killings of a woman and her two children in their southwestern Illinois home.


Connor said evidence on the case was turned over to the Monroe County States Attorney Office. He said charges are being deferred unitl more forensic tests are complete. Connor said that could take weeks

The perp could 'disappear' in weeks. :shock: :smiley_aasg:

[annalyzer]

Well hmmmm, I wonder who that could be? :serious:

[Naia]

He said evidence was discarded on Interstate 255 and investigators are asking for anyone who saw something unusual before 6:50 a.m. on May 5 to call police.

"I've said all along that I feel confident that this case will be solved," Connor said.

http://www.bnd.com/homepage/story/767039.html

*ding, ding, ding. Could the perp have thrown whatever he used to suffocate the victims with, out the window as he-she drove down the interstate?

[annalyzer]

Yesterday at that obituary link I posted there was the sweetest photo of the boys with their arms wrapped around their dad's neck but when I looked today it had been removed. How could anyone strangle those beautiful little boys?

[annalyzer]

http://www.bnd.com/homepage/story/767039.html

*ding, ding, ding. Could the perp have thrown whatever he used to suffocate the victims with, out the window as he-she drove down the interstate?

At the comments link I posted I believe a local said that a glove with paint on it had been found. And that a shoestring was used for the strangulations.

[Naia]

At the comments link I posted I believe a local said that a glove with paint on it had been found. And that a shoestring was used for the strangulations.

:lex_10: :frown::redface:

[annalyzer]

Police present case in triple murder, charges may be 8 weeks away

http://media.bnd.com/smedia/2009/05/13/10/337-051309tvtouching.embedded.prod_affiliate.98.jpg
Rev. Ron Coleman touches one of the caskets Wednesday morning at Evergreen Cemetery in Chester.

Wednesday, May. 13, 2009 News-Democrat

Police on Wednesday presented their case to the Monroe County prosecutor but a warrant was not issued pending lab tests that could take up to eight weeks.

"You need to be sure before you make charges like this," said Maj. Jeff Connor, deputy commander of the Major Case Squad of the Greater St. Louis Area.

Investigators presented their case to Monroe County State's Attorney Kris Reitz after an investigation that has taken the 20 members of the squad to Missouri, Florida, Springfield and Chicago, Connor said.

They will decide by the end of Thursday whether to extend the Major Case Squad's involvement or disband.

"We don't feel this was a random act. We feel this family was targeted," Connor said.

Investigators have a suspect but he declined to identify that person.

He said forensic evidence at the Illinois State Police crime lab could take four to eight weeks for testing to be complete.

He said evidence was discarded on Interstate 255 and investigators are asking for anyone who saw something unusual before 6:50 a.m. on May 5 to call police.

"I've said all along that I feel confident that this case will be solved," Connor said.

Columbia Police Chief Joe Edwards said he is asking anyone who knew the Coleman family to call police if officers have not yet interviewed them.

Chris Coleman watched his wife and sons being buried Wednesday morning with police detectives shadowing him.

Investigators announced at 2 p.m. that they were expecting a press conference at 4 p.m. Wednesday. Officers who spent Wednesday watching Coleman at about 3:30 p.m. left his parents' home in Chester, saying they were told to return to Columbia.

Early Wednesday morning three unmarked police cars and a sport utility vehicle full of detectives were staked out around the house in Chester where Chris Coleman has been staying since his wife and two sons were strangled.

Shortly after 8 a.m. Wednesday, Chris Coleman and his parents left the house at 304 Dixie Drive in Chester and went to the father's church, Grace Church Ministries in Chester. Most of the police who were parked near the house then followed the Colemans to the church.

At about 9:30 a.m. Wednesday the bodies of 31-year-old Sheri Coleman and sons 11-year-old Garett and 9-year-old Gavin arrived at Evergreen Cemetery in Chester.

Chris Coleman arrived with his parents before the burial. He gazed at the coffins containing the remains of his wife and sons, then the Colemans hugged. The Rev. Coleman touched one of the caskets before they departed.

Chris Coleman at 10:30 a.m. headed out of Chester with his parents and with police. They arrived at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, Mo. His mother, Connie Coleman, had a bandage on her left leg as she, her husband, the Rev. Ronald Coleman, and son, Chris Coleman, watched the burial of Chris Coleman's murdered wife and two sons.

Around 2 p.m. Wednesday Chris Coleman was visited for more than 30 minutes at his father's home by Roby Walker, spokesman for Joyce Meyer Ministries. Coleman is security chief for Meyer, who is an evangelist. Walker was not immediately available for comment.

The private funeral for the mother and sons was Saturday morning at the Rev. Coleman's church in Chester. Burial, however, was delayed by a legal tussle between Sheri Coleman's family and Chris Coleman, who was resisting her family's attempt to hold a memorial service in Chicago.

Sheri Coleman's family won an order temporarily stopping burial and scheduled services in the Chicago area Monday for the mother and sons. Their bodies were to be returned on Tuesday and arrived at the cemetery for burial Wednesday morning.

Coleman, 32, came to the Columbia Police Department with his attorney on Monday and gave police fingerprints after police had requested them to compare with evidence found in the slayings of his wife, 31-year-old Sheri Coleman, and sons, 11-year-old Garett and 9-year-old Gavin. The three were found dead by police in the couple's Columbia home May 5 after Christopher Coleman asked police to check on them.

Christopher Coleman has hired St. Louis attorneys Arthur Margulis and William Margulis.

Maj. Jeff Connor, deputy commander of the Major Case Squad of the Greater St. Louis Area, sent out notice that a press conference was being planned for between 4 and 4:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Columbia Police Department.

http://www.bnd.com/100/story/767039.html

[annalyzer]

Columbia Triple Murder Getting National Attention as Investigation Continues

Major Case Squad Talks To Nancy Grace

By April Simpson
8:18 AM CDT, May 13, 2009

COLUMBIA, IL (KTVI - FOX2now.com) - At least 25 Major Case Squad investigators are still looking for the break they need in the deaths of a mother and her two sons. And now the case is getting national attention. Detectives spent most of the day Tuesday at the home of Chris Coleman's parents. Coleman's wife and two sons were found murdered in their Columbia, Illinois home on last week.

Major Case Squad investigator Major Jeff Connor spoke with CNN's Nancy Grace by phone Tuesday evening. "There was some damage to the screen, but the window was found open, the back window leading to the basement," he told Grace. When Grace asked if the window had been forced open, Connor responded, "there's no indication force was used."

Services for all three victims were held this past weekend in Chester. Then the bodies were taken to Chicago for a separate memorial service Monday organized by Sheri Coleman's family. But it took a court order to move the bodies. Documents show Chris Coleman first agreed to release the bodies, but then changed his mind. The Belleville attorney who successfully fought to get the bodies moved tells us it shouldn't have come to a court order.

http://www.fox2now.com/ktvi-columbia-triple-murder-national-news-051309,0,6165176.story

[annalyzer]

By April Simpson
8:18 AM CDT, May 13, 2009

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http://www.fox2now.com/ktvi-columbia-triple-murder-national-news-051309,0,6165176.story

[Isabella]

According to NG he did not give fingerprints freely,
LE had to order him to go down and give them.

LE was on her show and said they do have a suspect but
will not release his name at this time..

[Oceanblueeyes]

Anna, this reminds me somewhat of the Walker Railey case.

Even though he did not kill his children he did attempt to murder his wife. He too reported that he had been receiving death threat letters in the mail. Threatening to harm his family. So when his wife was found in their garage beaten almost to death he said that this was the one that did it.

Yet he too had a secret girlfriend and the police found the typewriter that was used to write the threatening letters to him and they came from his very own office in the church he had pastored for years.

Only in that case his jury believed him and found him not guilty of attempted murder. Which imo, was letting a potential wannabee killer go free. Even his own children have never spoken to him since he tried to kill their mother who is still disable years later and in a nursing home.

But I don't think Coleman is going to get that lucky. The only thing that puzzles me somewhat if LE is sure he is the one they don't usually wait for the forensics to come back in to have probable cause to arrest.

imo

[annalyzer]

Anna, this reminds me somewhat of the Walker Railey case.

Even though he did not kill his children he did attempt to murder his wife. He too reported that he had been receiving death threat letters in the mail. Threatening to harm his family. So when his wife was found in their garage beaten almost to death he said that this was the one that did it.

Yet he too had a secret girlfriend and the police found the typewriter that was used to write the threatening letters to him and they came from his very own office in the church he had pastored for years.

Only in that case his jury believed him and found him not guilty of attempted murder. Which imo, was letting a potential wannabee killer go free. Even his own children have never spoken to him since he tried to kill their mother who is still disable years later and in a nursing home.

But I don't think Coleman is going to get that lucky. The only thing that puzzles me somewhat if LE is sure he is the one they don't usually wait for the forensics to come back in to have probable cause to arrest.

imo




"You need to be sure before you make charges like this," said Maj. Jeff Connor, deputy commander of the Major Case Squad of the Greater St. Louis Area."

I hate to wait 8 weeks to find out.

[Naia]

Now why would a grieving husband and father not voluntarily give his fingerprints? This guy smells all the way around, imo.

[texanne]

What a beautiful mother and boys. What a shame that someone ended their life. What could have been so important that the mother and boys had to die....and in such a horrible way? Was it done so the father could cavort with a stripper, free of family and responsibilities? It is very telling that he did not even bother to call her family after the bodies were discovered. I just think it is all very suspicious.

[Pauli]

Please remember, for legal reasons, you can not accuse anyone of murder... you can say you think they may have done something, or you feel they may have had something to do with... but you can not say someone absolutely did it when no one has been arrested, charged and convicted of being a murderer.

Thank you

[annalyzer]

The camera is on the front porch, pointing directly at the door.

I read at that comments link that it was pointed at the mailbox. Security guy, family is being threatened and no security on the house. :eyebrow1qb:

[Oceanblueeyes]

"You need to be sure before you make charges like this," said Maj. Jeff Connor, deputy commander of the Major Case Squad of the Greater St. Louis Area."

I hate to wait 8 weeks to find out.

So are they sure or are they not? That is the part that bothers me. Rarely if LE thinks they already have probable cause for an arrest do they wait for the forensic evidence to come back in.

Is it because he is well known in the community and not just some regular Joe Schmoe, I wonder?

imo

[Oceanblueeyes]

What a beautiful mother and boys. What a shame that someone ended their life. What could have been so important that the mother and boys had to die....and in such a horrible way? Was it done so the father could cavort with a stripper, free of family and responsibilities? It is very telling that he did not even bother to call her family after the bodies were discovered. I just think it is all very suspicious.

I am sure not taking up for this man. I personally think he did these crimes, although that has yet to be seen.

But it seems that Sheri lived with her father in Florida after her mom and dad divorced and she went to high school there with the now supposedly girlfriend of Chris Coleman. So I am not sure how close she was to her mother's side of the family. I have read that her father has been remarried for some time now and Sheri was close to her step mom.

Her biological father did attend the services in Chester along with the Coleman family and friends. One of the flowers left on the grave yesterday was from her dad and he had one there for his grandsons.

Although if CC didn't know her mom very well he could have gotten his father to call for him.

From what I read Sheri's mother was notified by LE about 11 am that morning.

imo

[Naia]

I read at that comments link that it was pointed at the mailbox. Security guy, family is being threatened and no security on the house. :eyebrow1qb:

:g: Excellent point.
Maybe the murderer did that so no one would see him-her enter the house.

[Naia]

From what I read Sheri's mother was notified by LE about 11 am that morning.

imo

That's interesting because a talking head on NG last night told her that Sherri's family wasn't told about the murders for 48 hours. Nancy seemed stunned by that comment.

[Scampi]

annalyzer,
That's exactly what I think. Shoot, he could have had his girlfriend send threatening or harassing messages to the family. He could have messed with his own mail box. Sounds like premeditation to me, at the present anyway.

This was absolutely premeditated. I cannot wait till they arrest this man.

[annalyzer]

NANCY GRACE

Husband Eyed in Strangulation Murder of Woman and Two Young Sons

Aired May 13, 2009 - 20:00:00 ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


NANCY GRACE, HOST: Breaking news tonight. A quiet, close-knit, upscale Illinois suburb reeling after a beautiful young mom and her two little sons found dead in their white finished (ph) two-story home, each in their own bedroom, reportedly strangled. A heartbreaking gesture. Just hours ago, 31-year-old Sheri Coleman and the two little boys, Garett and Gavin, ages just 9 and 11, laid to rest side by side. Who -- who -- crept into the family home in the darkened early morning hours to smother and strangle the life out of a stunning young mother and her two boys, leaving them dead in their own beds?

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: She was an American hero. They were star football players and members of the church youth group. But mom Sheri and brothers Garett and Gavin Coleman are dead, reportedly victims of strangulation inside their own home.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: There was some damage to the screen, but the window was found open.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: There were words written on the wall, and the words say, "I told you this was going to happen."

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Chris Coleman watched his wife, Sheri, and his 11 and 9-year-old sons, Garett and Gavin, being buried today. But he didn`t arrive to the graveyard alone, Coleman reportedly being followed by multiple law enforcement officers in unmarked cars, the cars reportedly trailing Coleman wherever he goes, even sitting outside the house he`s reportedly staying.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: He is not a suspect. He`s not a person of interest.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He reportedly left his house at around 5:45 AM. When he returned after calling the police to check on his family, they found the victims inside their bedrooms, all dead.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That`s what the story is. We don`t know who did it.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This as "The St. Louis Post-Dispatch" reports Coleman may have been having a relationship with another woman. Coleman`s attorney says he has no knowledge of anyone by the alleged woman`s name. Police say they have no suspects in the investigation.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

GRACE: And tonight, Hidalgo, Texas, a precious 4-year-old little girl, an angel, playing with her little friends in their own front yard when an unmasked man emerges from a white pick-up truck, snatches the girl off the lawn. When 12-year-old big sister tries to save her, the kidnapper delivers a blow directly to the sister`s head and makes off with the little brown-eyed 4-year-old. Tonight, where is 4-year-old Lesley?

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Authorities are looking for a suspect in the disappearance of 4-year-old south Texas girl Lesley Perez, who was snatched from an empty lot across from her home Tuesday night. Authorities believe Lesley was taken by force. They say a man allegedly stepped out of a white pick-up truck, hit Lesley`s sister in the head, grabbed the little girl and took off. Police are looking for a man in his 30s with spiked hair. Lesley was last seen wearing lime green shorts, a green striped shirt with a white collar, and Hello Kitty earrings.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GRACE: Good evening. I`m Nancy Grace. I want to thank you for being with us. Who crept into the family home in the darkened early morning hours to smother and strangle the life out of a stunning young mother and her two little boys, leaving them dead in their own beds?

(END VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Coleman watched his wife and two kids being buried today, as police reportedly trailed his vehicle from far behind.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Many of Gavin and Garett`s classmates and teammates on hand, remembering their close friends as boys who loved to play sports. Those who knew Sheri will remember her commitment to her church and helping others.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Chris Coleman, the husband and father who lost his wife and two kids to reported strangulation in their own home, may have been having a relationship with another woman, according to "The St. Louis Post-Dispatch," "The Post-Dispatch" alleging through law enforcement sources cops traveled to Florida to interview the alleged, woman who they report worked in a bar and as a hostess for a gentlemen`s club. An attorney for Coleman tells the newspaper he doesn`t think it`s appropriate to comment on the status of the investigation and says he has no knowledge of anyone by the alleged woman`s name.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Husband Chris Coleman reportedly asked to give his fingerprints by court order.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: At this point, is Chris Coleman considered a suspect in this case?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Our investigation to me reveals who`s responsible for these deaths. I`ll leave it at that.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

GRACE: A mother and two young sons in the last hours buried side by side. Take a look. Right now, police saying no suspects, no person of interest. There`s 31-year-old mom, her sons just 9 and 11 years old, all three murdered in the early morning hours, apparently as they slept in their own beds.

Straight out to McGraw Milhaven, talk show host, KTRS radio there in Missouri. What`s the latest, McGraw?

MCGRAW MILHAVEN, TALK SHOW HOST, KTRS RADIO: Nancy, thanks for the invite. They held a news conference earlier today, and the police said that they do have a person of interest and they do have enough evidence. However, they`re not going to reveal who the person of interest is, and they`ve handed off the investigation to the Monroe County prosecutors.

GRACE: To Major Jeff Connor with the Columbia Police Department. Major Connor, if you have a person of interest, why -- I will assume it`s a he -- why is he being kept a secret, his identity?

MAJ. JEFF CONNOR, COLUMBIA POLICE DEPARTMENT (via telephone): We don`t have a warrant for his arrest at this time, so we don`t feel it would be prudent to give his name out until the state`s attorney determines whether or not there`s enough to charge him.

GRACE: Ah. So you are waiting for a little bit more evidence. Out to Nick Pistor, reporter with "The St. Louis Post-Dispatch." Thank you for being with us. What can you tell me about an alleged girlfriend? The husband had a girlfriend? Is that what I`m hearing?

NICK PISTOR, "ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH" (via telephone): That is true. That`s what we reported today in the paper, and that`s what we`re standing behind, that Chris Coleman had an affair with a woman who went to high school with Sheri and was Sheri`s friend and that he carried on that affair through the time up to the murders.

GRACE: Is the affair over?

PISTOR: Well, we don`t know what the current status of the affair is. We know that investigators went down to Florida shortly after the murders and began interviewing this woman and many of the people close to her. And Major Connor did confirm today that the investigation went to Florida, but he wouldn`t say what it was about.

GRACE: Well, Nick Pistor, joining us from "The St. Louis Post- Dispatch" -- Nick, you say you`re standing by your story. Has somebody suggested your story is false?

PISTOR: Oh, no. Absolutely not. But when you`re saying, you know, we had alleged it, we`re just saying that there was an affair and we disclosed it.

GRACE: OK. Who`s the woman?

PISTOR: We have not disclosed her name yet. We`re not prepared to release the name.

GRACE: Well, what can you tell me about her?

PISTOR: We can tell -- we can say that she went to high school with Sheri, that she works down in the Florida area. She`s a cocktail waitress now. Her family, when we went to interview her, had said that they will never comment. And that`s the current situation.

GRACE: OK. You know, Nick, I`m going to connect a couple of dots here. Out to Clark Goldband, also on the story. Clark, she`s a stripper. Am I wrong?

CLARK GOLDBAND, NANCY GRACE PRODUCER: Well, Nancy, yes. Things we`ve seen being reported is she`s an exotic dancer at a club around the Tampa area.

GRACE: Caryn Stark, I think we need a shrink right now. Why do we insist on saying "exotic dancer" and "gentlemen`s club"?

CARYN STARK, PSYCHOLOGIST: Well, because it`s so unacceptable, Nancy.

GRACE: Apparently not.

STARK: You need to have a euphemism for somebody who`s a stripper because that will be much more appealing and make people be happier. They don`t want to hear "stripper."

GRACE: OK. Back to you, Goldband. What do we know about the alleged affair?

GOLDBAND: Well, according to these press reports that we`ve seen, the alleged affair assumingly took place down in Florida. He worked for the Joyce Meyer church, the...

GRACE: Wait, wait, wait, wait. What is the Joyce Meyer...

GOLDBAND: Meyer Ministry.

GRACE: Who is he? Who worked for the Joyce Meyer church?

GOLDBAND: OK. The husband, Chris Coleman, had a job there. He was in charge of security on the night shift. We`ve seen reports that say he traveled around a lot for his job. So if we follow the dots on that, the affair probably took place down in Florida.

GRACE: Back to McGraw Milhaven, KTRS radio talk show host. What can you tell me about the circumstances surrounding the three murders? A 31- year-old mom, absolutely beautiful, apparently, by all accounts, a devoted mother, and two little boys, I believe 9 and 11 years old. What were the circumstances surrounding the discovery of their bodies, McGraw?

MILHAVEN: Yes, the circumstances were, very simply, Chris Coleman went to the gym, left the house about 5:00 o`clock in the morning, called back about an hour or so later, didn`t get a response, called the police. The police...

GRACE: Wait, wait, wait, wait. Back it up.

MILHAVEN: Yes?

GRACE: McGraw, what time did the husband, Coleman, go to the workout club? Is it Gold`s workout gym?

MILHAVEN: It was a Gold`s gym in south county. He crossed over into Missouri I`d say about 5:30-ish, 5:45-ish.

GRACE: OK. Just give me some quick answers here -- 5:30 AM approximately. Do we know if he went every morning? Was this routine, or was it just suddenly that day, he got wild (ph) hair (ph) to go work out at 5:30 AM?

MILHAVEN: At this point, we don`t know.

GRACE: All right. Do you know, at that Gold`s gym, do you have to sign in? Do you have a key card? Do they have surveillance? Do we know what time he got there and how long he stayed?

MILHAVEN: That has not been out yet, but I can only assume there is some type of check-in and/or surveillance.

GRACE: OK. McGraw, what time did he start calling back home? He leaves around 5:30 AM. When was his first call back home?

MILHAVEN: It`s being reported about 7:00 o`clock.

GRACE: So an hour-and-a-half later. Back to our special guest joining us from Columbia, Major Jeff Connor. He`s the major with the Columbia Police Department. Major Connor, when did he make the welfare call to have police -- he`s five minutes away, five miles away, but he calls police to go check on his family. What time did that occur?

CONNOR: He left his house at 5:43 AM, and then shortly thereafter, started calling his house, realized that nobody was answering. And on his way back at around 6:50 is when he made the phone call to the Columbia Police Department.

GRACE: Major, why did he immediately start calling back to his home? He just left there. Why was he calling back at 5:45 AM?

CONNOR: He was making sure that the kids were getting up for school.

GRACE: OK. So this was a school day. Yes, I understand, Major Connor. Thank you. Major Connor, I understand that at the crime scene inside the home that words were scrawled on the inside of the home. Is that true?

CONNOR: There were some messages on the walls inside, but we`re not going to comment on what the content was.

GRACE: Why?

CONNOR: There`s been some reports of certain words were mentioned, and the statement that`s been reported actually isn`t accurate. But there...

GRACE: Is it close?

CONNOR: ... there were some (INAUDIBLE) words...

GRACE: Is it close, Major? Is the statement reported -- what was the statement, Clark?

GOLDBAND: Well, Nancy, it said, quote, "I told you this would happen," according to press reports that we`ve seen.

GRACE: And Major Connor, you`re saying that`s not what was written on the wall?

CONNOR: That is not exactly what was written on the wall...

GRACE: Aha. You said...

CONNOR: ... but there were threats (ph) on the wall.

GRACE: ... "not exactly." Was it close to what was written, Major?

CONNOR: Yes. It was close. There was threats towards the family.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Sheri and the boys were incredible people. You know, they`re the folks that when they walk into a room, they bring a smile on everybody`s face.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I`d rather have known them in my life and still go through this pain than not have known them at all.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We`ve developed information that we believe one person is actually involved in this homicide. We believe that this was not a random act, that it was actually intended to kill the three members of this family. At this time, we are not going to release the name of that individual. This is a very serious case, and we don`t want to jump to anything. But to put the public at ease, we don`t feel this was a random act. We feel this family was targeted.

DR. JOSHUA PERPER, MEDICAL EXAMINER: They can make a determination whether the victim was strangled and how, whether by manual strangulation, by hand pressure, or by a ligature. If the victim puts out a struggle, sometimes they try to detach the compressing ligature or the hands, and the very fingernails of the victim can inflict some injuries which can be matched to the victim, obviously on the neck. That would be the thing. And there might be bruises on the hands or on the arms, as well.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

GRACE: Do you see that little 9-year-old boy, the little 11-year-old brother? Somebody went into that home and smothered or strangled two little boys to death, reportedly in their own beds -- Mommy, too -- 9 and 11 years old.

Out to the lines. We`re taking your calls live. Dee in Illinois. Hi, Dee.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Hi, Nancy. I love your show. I never miss it. Two questions.

GRACE: Thank you. Go ahead.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: And I love your kids. They`re beautiful. The twins are gorgeous.

GRACE: Thank you.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: One, why did this father not immediately put his arm out, Draw my blood, take my fingerprints, here`s my hair sample? And why was he calling back at 5:45 if he`d just left the house to make sure the kids were up if mom was at home?

GRACE: You know, I`m going to go to a man who has all the answers to your first question, Dee in Illinois. Marc Klaas is with us tonight. He is not just the president and founder of Klaas Kids Foundation, he`s a crime victim. His daughter, Polly, was taken out of the home and she was murdered. And of course, police first come to the bio dad, and he said, Take my blood, take my hair, take my fingerprints. Here`s my alibi. Search my home. Take my car. I don`t care! I want you to clear me to go find the person that took my girl.

So to you, Marc Klaas. Why didn`t he?

MARC KLAAS, KLAAS KIDS FOUNDATION: Well, I think that his behavior is incredibly suspicious. I think they need to, number one, check to see if this was his pattern, to call home at 5:45 every morning to see if his wife was up, getting the kids ready. And I agree with the caller that that`s something that makes absolutely no sense. There`s no logic behind that.

I think that, you know, this is easily one of the most cowardly acts imaginable, to go into a little child`s bedroom and choke the life out of them in the middle of the night. I think that Mr. Coleman`s behavior is very suspicious, and I think it`s not only his lack of cooperation with law enforcement by making all those statements, Take my information, polygraph me, do all of these things, but also this odd phone call, this woman down in Florida.

He seems to be following in the pattern of Jeffrey McDonald, Scott Peterson, Mark Peterson -- I`m sorry, Scott Peterson, Michael Peterson, Mark Hacking. There`s just a whole list of characters like this who seem to be willing to do in their family so that they can have a quick fling with some loose woman somewhere else in the country. It`s nuts.

GRACE: And again, he has not been named a suspect.

KLAAS: That`s right.

GRACE: He has not been named a person of interest.

KLAAS: Right.

GRACE: You know, what is interesting to me -- let me not just say interesting but curious, disturbing. Major Jeff Connor -- he is the major at the Columbia Police Department. How long did it take for the husband, who is not a suspect, to call the wife`s family and speak to them and tell them what had happened?

CONNOR: You know, I really don`t have the answer to that. He was being interviewed here, and I believe other family members may have made that contact.

GRACE: You`re absolutely right, Major. McGraw Milhaven, KTRS, what can you tell me?

MILHAVEN: Yes, the murders happened on Tuesday morning, May 5th, and her family is saying that they didn`t get a call until Thursday morning, so 48 hours later. She found out through the police, by the way, her family.

GRACE: Through the police.

MILHAVEN: Yes.

GRACE: Is that what you said?

MILHAVEN: Yes. She found out, her family did.

GRACE: To Nick Pistor with "St. Louis Post-Dispatch." Everyone, we are taking your calls live. What can you tell me about their courtship? How did they meet? How long have they been together? And what did he do for the Joyce Meyer church ministries?

PISTOR: Chris Coleman was a security -- was involved in security for Joyce Meyer Ministries. He performed many of their surveillance activities and camera activities and is very close with the Joyce Meyer family. The two -- the couple met while she was at an Air Force base. She was in the Air Force and he was in the Marines. Then when they got married, they were in St. Louis, and then they moved to Columbia, Illinois, where -- in 2005. And then shortly before the murders, in November, he had taken her name off the deed of the house that they were living in.

GRACE: Out to the lines. Sue in New York. Hi, Sue.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Hi, Nancy. Thank you for taking my call.

GRACE: Thank you for calling in, dear.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I`ve been watching you since the Larry King days, and I thought then and I still think now you are God`s angel on earth for what you do for our littlest victims.

GRACE: Sue, I do not deserve that. You can ask any defense lawyer in town. But thank you very much. What`s your question, dear?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: My question is about the words written on the wall. I mean, it doesn`t seem that they`re going to tell anybody what it was written in, i.e. pen, marker, blood. But if they -- would they be able to do a handwriting analysis from that and compare it to whoever...

GRACE: Good question. Bill Majeski, former NYPD detective, now the president of Majeski Associates, joining us out of New York -- I`m sure that there would be a lot of variables when you`re writing on a wall, as opposed to handwriting. But certain things would remain constant. Yes, no.

BILL MAJESKI, FORMER NYPD DETECTIVE: Yes, absolutely. In a situation like this, there`s a very good possibility that they would be able to match up the scrawling on the wall with characteristics from his handwriting. That`s another reason they`re asking for -- they demanded his fingerprints. There`s a good possibility that he may have leaned a hand on the wall as he was writing, if, indeed, he`s the one who wrote that note.

GRACE: Again, he is not named a suspect. Everyone, we are taking your calls live. When we get back, we`ll unleash the lawyers, Renee Rockwell and Mickey Sherman.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The taking of Coleman`s fingerprints begs one question which no one is answering at this point.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: At this point, is Chris Coleman considered a suspect in this case?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We`re not prepared to say anybody is keyed in on a suspect. We`re just still -- we`re in the investigative stage of this and still trying to determine who`s killed these three people.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: There is some evidence that we`ve collected that - - it`s no secret. We were around Interstate 255. We believe there was evidence discarded around this route. So I can be a little more specific, that if there`s somebody out there in the public that thinks they saw something along that area, maybe along the bridge, to call us. That could be a key to helping us also.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

GRACE: Let`s unleash the lawyers, Renee Rockwell, veteran defense attorney out of Atlanta, and Mickey Sherman, renowned defense attorney, author of "How Can You Defend Those People?" and now the host of "Sherman`s Law." You`ve got your own law? WGCH, 1490. I`m not even going to go into that.

First to you, Sherman. The husband is not a person of interest at this juncture. He`s not been named a suspect. But no break-in in the home, no sex assault, no robbery.

MICKEY SHERMAN, DEFENSE ATTORNEY: No, but why are we involved in saying that? That`s so silly. Of course, he`s not only the suspect, he`s the main suspect. Why do we go with the fiction that he`s not a person of interest? It makes no sense. But also...

GRACE: Well, OK. You`re not answering the question.

SHERMAN: Right.

GRACE: But that`s another can of worms. Renee, you want to take a crack at it?

RENEE ROCKWELL, DEFENSE ATTORNEY: Oh, no, he`s not a suspect. He`s just got three unmarked cars following him. Nancy, that`s a Marine. He well knows he`s a suspect, and he did the right thing by getting an attorney.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MAJOR JEFF CONNOR, COLUMBIA POLICE DEPARTMENT, ON THE CASE: After nine days of investigation we`ve developed information that we believe one person is actually involved in this homicide.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Chris Coleman reportedly says he went to the gym at 5:30 a.m. to work out. He became nervous around 7:00, when he couldn`t reach his 31-year-old wife, Sheri, and two sons, Garett, 11, and Gavin, 9.

Coleman called police for a welfare check and found the family dead in their own house, reportedly all the victims of strangulation.

NANCY GRACE, HOST: He`s five minutes away at the workout club and he calls police?

CONNOR: He stated he had been trying to call them the entire time he was gone and after not getting an answer he contacted the police department and the officers actually arrived at the house before he did.

We believe that this was not a random act, that it was actually intended to kill the three members of this family. At this time we are not going to release the name of that individual.

GRACE: Major Connor, was there any forced entry in the home?

CONNOR: There was some damage to the screen, but the window was found open. The back window leading into a basement room was found open.

GRACE: The window was open. Was it forced open or left open?

CONNOR: There`s no indication that force was used to open that window.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

GRACE: Straight out to the lines. Sue in New York. Hi, Sue. Sue, are you with me? Let`s go to Carol in Nebraska. Hi, Carol.

CAROL, CALLER FROM NEBRASKA: Hi, Nancy. You need to be commended. You`re an angel of mercy.

GRACE: Well, you know, Mickey Sherman and Renee Rockwell may not agree with you. But your opinion means more to me. So thank you. What is your question, dear?

CAROL: Also, I want to say I have a granddaughter that`s the same age as your twins. They were born -- or she was born on the 2nd of November. So...

GRACE: And they were born on the 4th. You know, Carol, I don`t know about you, but have you ever heard of Monkey Joe`s? That`s where mommy`s been all afternoon climbing up inflatable play toys. So mommy can only move from the neck up. Luckily, that`s perfect for my job description.

What is your question, dear?

CAROL: OK. My question is what -- anybody that would break in would not leave a message like that on the wall. I mean, that`s just ridiculous.

GRACE: Well, yes. And it`s kind of like your saying, gee, who could have done this while you`re pointing at yourself. To leave a message like that, "I told you this would happen," or words to that effect.

Major Jeff Connor tells us that is not exactly what was written. He`s not divulging what was written.

Straight out to the lawyers. Renee Rockwell, Mickey Sherman. Why make a murder elaborate? What person would feel at home enough in the home to feel they had time to scrawl out a letter on the wall, Sherman? Who? Who? Who wouldn`t want to just leave?

MICKEY SHERMAN, CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY, AUTHOR OF "HOW CAN YOU DEFEND THOSE PEOPLE?": You`ve obviously concluded that this is the bad guy. There`s no question about it.

(CROSSTALK)

GRACE: No, I have not concluded anything. How do I know there`s not some lover, some.

SHERMAN: Right.

GRACE: . angry ex? I don`t know what the choices are. Right now I know about the husband.

SHERMAN: But is it more logical.

GRACE: But he`s not the only variable in this conundrum.

SHERMAN: But is it more logical that a father would strangle his boys than a stranger would do that? I mean, just by sheer logic it doesn`t add up. And does everybody.

GRACE: Well, as a matter of fact, most child homicides are by the father, now that you mention it. But go ahead.

SHERMAN: All right. The fact is that.

GRACE: I`m sure there`s room for your other foot, Mickey.

SHERMAN: No question. I don`t think so. The fact that this guy has a loose woman, exotic dancer, stripper girlfriend.

GRACE: Loose doesn`t matter. The fact that there is a girlfriend shows me their marriage has a problem, or at least he has a problem.

SHERMAN: And how often does that lead to murder? What percentage? It`s extraordinarily small.

GRACE: I don`t know. But I do know this. I don`t know how often a mistress leads to murder, but I do know, Renee, that in many murder cases, domestic homicides where the man kills the wife, there`s a mistress lurking in the background. So that reverse equation may have probative value.

But Renee, I want to get back to what`s written on the wall. It reminds me so much of the JonBenet Ramsey case, where somebody feels like they`ve got time to kick back and write a five-page ransom letter. Who?

RENEE ROCKWELL, DEFENSE ATTORNEY: No. Nancy, if you remember, the ransom letter was written and rewritten and rewritten. There was a practice letter.

GRACE: Yes.

ROCKWELL: But Nancy, this whole thing is going to really boil down to not the writing on the wall or the letters or does it match anybody`s writing. It`s going to boil down to forensics. Not only is -- there`s a print.

GRACE: That is forensics. Handwriting analysis is forensics, Renee.

ROCKWELL: But it`s going to be fingerprints. It`s going to be scrapings under the victims` fingernails. Hair fiber. A fingerprint alone is not going to make this case, Nancy.

GRACE: Well, no, especially if they are looking at the husband because his fingerprints are rightfully in the home.

ROCKWELL: He lives in the home.

GRACE: I want to go to Dr. Michael Bell, Palm Beach County chief medical examiner.

Dr. Bell, this family, in a heartbreaking gesture, were (sic) just laid to rest a couple of hours ago side by side. And in my mind I`m seeing the mommy`s grave and the two little graves beside her.

Now I want to know, Doctor, what, if any, signs would you expect to see on the body if the mom or the boys fought back?

DR. MICHAEL BELL, PALM BEACH CO. CHIEF MEDICAL EXAMINER: Well, the typical signs of strangulation begin with the eyes, in which they get pinpoint hemorrhages on the surface of the eyes.

And then the rest of the findings, sometimes you`ll get some bruising on the outside of the neck, on the skin surface, but more often than not it requires an autopsy to detect hemorrhages, bleeding into the strap muscles of the neck as well as fractures of the hyoid bone and the thyroid cartilage.

GRACE: Dr. Bell, what I want to -- what I`m asking about is evidence of defensive wounds, that they tried to fight back. If the little boys or the mom had tried to fight back, what would you expect to find on their bodies?

BELL: What you might find is pieces of tissue, skin from the assailant underneath their fingernails as they tried to ward off their assailant.

GRACE: OK. Doctor, I`m just a J.D. I`m not an M.D. But would, for instance, bruising on the outside of the -- between the elbow and the wrist where they tried to fight, or if they curled up in the fetal position, maybe bruises on their knees even or their shins.

You mentioned fiber, maybe something under the fingernails. Would you expect to find any of that?

BELL: As I mentioned before, if they`ve had time to defend themselves, if they know.

GRACE: Right.

BELL: If they`re in a struggle, yes, you may well get tissue, skin, underneath the fingernails from the assailant.

GRACE: To Major Jeff Connor, joining us from the Columbia Police Department, he`s keeping the facts close to the vest, as he should.

But Major, could you tell me, is the husband cooperating? Did he voluntarily give fingerprints, DNA, hair samples, anything like that?

(ON THE PHONE)

CONNOR: I really don`t want to get into any of the statements.

GRACE: OK.

CONNOR: . or what he did or did not do.

GRACE: Understood, Major. Let me ask Nick Pistor. What can you tell me?

(ON THE PHONE)

NICK PISTOR, REPORTER, ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, COVERING STORY: I can tell you that he returned to the police department on Monday under a court order to be fingerprinted. He did not answer any questions.

GRACE: What? Whoa, whoa, whoa. Hold on. The court had to order him to come back to the police department to cooperate?

PISTOR: Yes.

GRACE: Continue.

PISTOR: He was fingerprinted. He did not answer any questions. He was with his attorney. He was there for about 30 minutes. And he left. He returned to the house of the murders. It was released from custody, released back to him. He parked with his attorney outside the house but did not enter. His attorney said he didn`t want to go in.

GRACE: Well, then why did he go back to the house?

PISTOR: He watched his family members pull up a trailer and stash some of his belongings into a trailer, and then they drove off.

GRACE: Out to the lines. Kelly in Florida. Hi, Kelly.

CLAUDIA, CALLER FROM FLORIDA: Hello?

GRACE: Excuse me. Claudia in Florida. Hi, Claudia.

CLAUDIA: Hi, Nancy. I just want to tell you that my twins are number 4 and 5 in my family and they`re 10 years old and the best is just ready to come for you. So be prepared.

GRACE: You know, I keep asking parents -- don`t you want to just freeze them at 18 months? And they go no. Every day gets better. And so far that has been true.

What is your question, dear?

CLAUDIA: I have two. Number one, do we have any evidence that they had marital problems?

GRACE: You mean other than the stripper girlfriend?

CLAUDIA: Well, that`s a big part of it. But.

GRACE: I`d say that`s a problem.

CLAUDIA: I`d say it`s a big problem. Second of all, do we have an estimated time of death?

GRACE: Good question.

Major Connor, can you release that much to us, the estimated time of death?

CONNOR: You know, that`s still being analyzed with the forensic pathologist.

GRACE: Everyone, you are seeing shots of Sheri Coleman, age 31, and her two children, Garett and Gavin, age 11 and 9. They loved football, video games, Legos. They loved their church youth group. They were murdered in their own beds.

http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0905/13/ng.01.html

[Naia]

This was absolutely premeditated. I cannot wait till they arrest this man.


Me either. :0012:

[rockford2]

thanks again, everyone, for the updates.

[Pauli]

Please be careful when posting from a blog.. they are just opinion and not fact. Some also use 'colorful' words that are not acceptable here, so make sure you read them good before posting.

Thanks..

[Oceanblueeyes]

That's interesting because a talking head on NG last night told her that Sherri's family wasn't told about the murders for 48 hours. Nancy seemed stunned by that comment.

I think she meant that CC waited 2 days to call them directly.

imo

[packy]

I heard they asked if anyone saw anything around a particular bridge. Has the location to that bridge been posted?

[Naia]

I heard they asked if anyone saw anything around a particular bridge. Has the location to that bridge been posted?

packy,
If I understood the cop correctly, he was referring to a bridge that is near the interstate.

[packy]

packy,
If I understood the cop correctly, he was referring to a bridge that is near the interstate.

Thanks, Naia. Hopefully someone saw something there around that time period.

[annalyzer]

Thanks, Naia. Hopefully someone saw something there around that time period.

I wonder is this was on his route to the gym?

[Naia]

http://www.ksdk.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=175221&catid=40

Sheri Coleman's family says it did not know of a rift in the marriage between the couple, but there is a level of anger now. That anger stems from the fact that the Chris Coleman family removed items from the Columbia home but didn't ask Sheri's mother if there were any mementoes she would like with which to remember her daughter.
:0doh: That's unbelievable.

[Naia]

packy and annalyzer,

I wonder is this was on his route to the gym?
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/laworder/story/D2C9FBCC6917F4E3862575B6001068B5?OpenDocument
Connor said detectives have focused a search along a stretch of Interstate 255 near the Jefferson Barracks Bridge, not mentioning that it would be Coleman's route to the gym. :shock:

"We believe there was evidence discarded along this route," he explained, but did not say what.

That's another red flag.
Imo, if CC committed the murders, he has no soul. I could live to be 1000 years old and never understand why people kill their loved ones, especially their children. :sad0119:
My heart breaks for Sherri's family.

[annalyzer]

We need Grande here with his excellent maps.

[packy]

Nancy G. refers to them living in a suburb of Chicago but it's actually farther south and close to the MO line. It seems the bridge would be on Interstate 55.

Just heard them say the 255.

[LaciBlue]

I just hope that they arrest who ever commited this unthinkable crime.
I have opinion's but will keep them to myself.i just pray that they make an arrest soon...
So that this beautiful family can rest in peace.

[Naia]

Interesting.
"After an internal inquiry, it was discovered that Chris Coleman had failed to follow a ministry policy during his employment. During discussion with Mr. Coleman on Wednesday he submitted his resignation," Joyce Meyer spokesman Roby Walker said.
http://www.bnd.com/breaking_news/story/769243.html

Another media source stating the same.
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/laworder/story/720D16B22F5DA4AE862575B7000DBD1D?OpenDocument
By Elizabethe Holland
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
05/15/2009

Columbia, Ill. — Christopher Coleman, whose wife and two young sons were found murdered in their bedrooms last week, has resigned from his position with Joyce Meyer Ministries, one of his attorneys confirmed today.

Was that policy the one about having an extramarital affair with a hostess from a gentleman's club? :kidding-01:

[Naia]

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/laworder/story/720D16B22F5DA4AE862575B7000DBD1D?OpenDocument



Police seized "electronic equipment" connected to Christopher Coleman's former security job, Walker said, but would not describe what it was or how it had been used.
:z0tdntknw:
"As there is an ongoing investigation, the ministry can't comment on any specifics," he said. "However, we are working with investigators and are thankful that they are doing their very best to solve this crime."

[Roamer]

http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/05/14/illinois.family.slain/index.html

By Philip Rosenbaum


(CNN) -- Police say they believe they know who killed a 31-year-old Southern Illinois woman and her two young sons, but are waiting for prosecutors to build a strong forensic case against the suspect before disclosing his identity.
http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/CRIME/05/14/illinois.family.slain/art.coleman.ktvi.jpg Chris and Sheri Coleman are shown with their two boys, Garret and Gavin.

"We don't have a warrant for his arrest at this time, so we don't feel it would be prudent to give his name out until the state's attorney determines whether or not there's enough to charge him," said Maj. Jeff Connor of the Major Case Squad.
Connor heads the squad that is part of the St. Louis, Missouri, homicide task force. He made the comments during an appearance on HLN's Nancy Grace.
Police found the bodies of Sheri Coleman and the children, Garret, 11, and Gavin, 9, in the bedrooms of their two-floor home in the St. Louis suburb of Columbia, Illinois, on the morning of May 7. Indications were they had been strangled.
The killings shocked the suburb of about 10,000 residents. The Monroe County, Illinois (http://topics.cnn.com/topics/Illinois), state's attorney's office is awaiting forensic test results, more interviews, documents and reports, according to the St. Louis Post Dispatch. Connor said threatening messages were found on the walls inside the home, but he would not disclose the exact wording.
http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/.element/img/2.0/content/ads/advertisement.gif




According to Connor, Christopher Coleman -- the boys' father and Sheri Coleman's husband -- left the house at 5:43 a.m., and drove to a gym to work out. "Shortly thereafter he started calling his house, realized that nobody was answering and on his way back at around 6:50 is when he made the phone call to the Columbia Police Department," Connor said.
Connor said Coleman told police he started calling his house shortly after leaving it because he "was making sure the kids were getting up for school."

[Naia]

http://suburbanjournals.stltoday.com/articles/2009/05/15/monroe/special_feature/doc4a0dcd3fa119a367295234.txt
NEW: Major Case Squad disbands Columbia murder investigation


Members of the community express their emotions during the candlelight vigil for the Coleman family in Bolm-Schuhkraft Memorial Park in Columbia. On Friday, the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis announced it would be disbanding the Columbia triple murder case, turning over the investigation to the Columbia Police Department. Terry Smith photo

By Kevin Darr
Friday, May 15, 2009 3:19 PM CDT

The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis announced today it would be disbanding the Columbia triple murder case, turning over the investigation to the Columbia Police Department.

[Heather]

You have got to be kidding me! So it is looking like the husband/father did this? If not, it's pretty cold hearted to fire him during such a terrible time. What about the report of threats made on them? What is wrong with people???

[rockford2]

Has anyone ever heard of this ministry before this murder case?

[nomadpatti]

Has anyone ever heard of this ministry before this murder case?

Yes. IMO, Joyce Meyer has a great message. I watch her in the mornings when I get the chance. Check your local listings if you are interested. I have also read a couple of her books. She is inspirational/motivational.

[packy]

Yes I think Joyce Meyer is very inspirational and I rarely watch those types of programs, but have tuned in on her once in awhile and enjoyed listening to her.

Although they can't fix a time of death exactly they can give a range and they should be able to tell if someone had been dead for several hours or just a few. Hopefully that may tell them something.

[annalyzer]

Yes I think Joyce Meyer is very inspirational and I rarely watch those types of programs, but have tuned in on her once in awhile and enjoyed listening to her.

Although they can't fix a time of death exactly they can give a range and they should be able to tell if someone had been dead for several hours or just a few. Hopefully that may tell them something.


From above link, "According to Connor, Christopher Coleman -- the boys' father and Sheri Coleman's husband -- left the house at 5:43 a.m., and drove to a gym to work out. "Shortly thereafter he started calling his house, realized that nobody was answering and on his way back at around 6:50 is when he made the phone call to the Columbia Police Department," Connor said."

[packy]

From above link, "According to Connor, Christopher Coleman -- the boys' father and Sheri Coleman's husband -- left the house at 5:43 a.m., and drove to a gym to work out. "Shortly thereafter he started calling his house, realized that nobody was answering and on his way back at around 6:50 is when he made the phone call to the Columbia Police Department," Connor said."

So according to the time he last saw them it was only a couple of hours till they were found. The body temperatures may tell something about how recent it happened from what some of the pathologists say. It takes longer for lividity to set in like maybe 10 hours or so and that also tells something, so we can hope they do have some clues from the condition of their bodies.

[sunstar]

From above link, "According to Connor, Christopher Coleman -- the boys' father and Sheri Coleman's husband -- left the house at 5:43 a.m., and drove to a gym to work out. "Shortly thereafter he started calling his house, realized that nobody was answering and on his way back at around 6:50 is when he made the phone call to the Columbia Police Department," Connor said."

Hi anna! :0012: This is a very narrow window of opportunity, imo. The perp would almost have to be waiting outside the house for him to leave, immediately go inside, strangle three people and then take the time to write the message downstairs and get out, not knowing when CC would return.

I'm also not understanding what the "threats" were supposed to be about that CC didn't do something the killer demanded which led to the family being killed? What was CC supposed to do to stop this? Normally this kind of thing occurrs over gambling or drug debts.

Also if CC was so concerned about his family after such a short period of time ~ at an unlikely time of the morning for 3 murders to occur when neighbors are getting up and going to work and might see the perp ~ why didn't CC just go back home instead of calling LE for a welfare check? I thought he was only about 5 min. from home.

Something sure looks wrong with this picture, imo. :waitasec:

[sunstar]

So according to the time he last saw them it was only a couple of hours till they were found. The body temperatures may tell something about how recent it happened from what some of the pathologists say. It takes longer for lividity to set in like maybe 10 hours or so and that also tells something, so we can hope they do have some clues from the condition of their bodies.

"CASAREZ: Such an important question. Dr. Joshua Perper, forensic pathologist out of Florida, first of all, how do you determine time of death?

PERPER: Well, the time of death is determined by what we call the post-mortem clock. And it`s not a very precise clock. What we evaluate is whether the body is cold or warm, whether they develop what is called rigidity or stiffness of that (ph), whether there is special discoloration after death, which you call it post-mortem lividity, and whether it`s consistent to the position of the body.

And in this particular case, if you remember, the husband basically claimed that he saw the -- his wife alive about an hour or an hour-and-a- half before. So at that time, the bodies should have been warm and should not have had any later post-mortem changes.

CASAREZ: Dr. Perper, what about stomach contents? Because if the family had eaten dinner the night before, or even I guess breakfast that morning -- I mean, can`t that help determine your time of death?

PERPER: That`s correct, if there`s a history of death (ph). But in this particular instance the husband claims that he saw his wife basically within an hour or an hour-and-a-half. So you don`t need those kind of indices like the gastric contents because you should have a body which has almost a normal temperature, about a degree less than the normal temperature. And if the body was for the entire night, there would be clear signs of post-mortem changes which would indicate that, basically, the husband doesn`t tell the truth."

http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0905/15/ng.01.html

[annalyzer]

Sheri A. Coleman

COLUMBIA - Sheri A. Coleman, 31, passed away at 7:55 a.m. Tuesday, May 5, 2009, at her residence.

She was born to Donald Weiss and Angela DeCiceo in Berwyn on July 3, 1977.

She married Chris Coleman on Aug. 8, 1997, in Chicago; he survives.

She was a homemaker.

She was a member of Destiny Church in St. Louis and also World Out Reach Missions.

She was an U.S. Air Force veteran.

She is survived by her husband, Chris Coleman of Columbia; parents, Donald Weiss of Clearwater, Fla., Angela DeCiceo of La Grange Park; brother, Mario Weiss of La Grange Park; parents-in-laws, Pastor Ronald and Connie Coleman of Chester; brothers-in-law, Bradley (Jennifer) Coleman of Chester, Keith (Emily) Coleman of Rogers, Ark.; nieces and nephew, Drew, Aubrey and Addison Coleman; and grandparents, uncles and aunts.

She was preceded in death by two sons, Garett and Gavin Coleman.

A private funeral service will be held, with Pastor Mike Shepard and Pastor Phil Stern officiating. Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Chester. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Grace Church Ministries in Chester.

Memorials may be made to the family's choice, C/O Grace Church Ministries.
Published in The Southern Illinoisan on 5/8/2009 print

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/thesouthern/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=127063229

[sunstar]

I'm just praying today that an arrest is soon.

:1222423: for Sheri, Gavin and Garett

[packy]

"CASAREZ: Such an important question. Dr. Joshua Perper, forensic pathologist out of Florida, first of all, how do you determine time of death?

PERPER: Well, the time of death is determined by what we call the post-mortem clock. And it`s not a very precise clock. What we evaluate is whether the body is cold or warm, whether they develop what is called rigidity or stiffness of that (ph), whether there is special discoloration after death, which you call it post-mortem lividity, and whether it`s consistent to the position of the body.

And in this particular case, if you remember, the husband basically claimed that he saw the -- his wife alive about an hour or an hour-and-a- half before. So at that time, the bodies should have been warm and should not have had any later post-mortem changes.

CASAREZ: Dr. Perper, what about stomach contents? Because if the family had eaten dinner the night before, or even I guess breakfast that morning -- I mean, can`t that help determine your time of death?

PERPER: That`s correct, if there`s a history of death (ph). But in this particular instance the husband claims that he saw his wife basically within an hour or an hour-and-a-half. So you don`t need those kind of indices like the gastric contents because you should have a body which has almost a normal temperature, about a degree less than the normal temperature. And if the body was for the entire night, there would be clear signs of post-mortem changes which would indicate that, basically, the husband doesn`t tell the truth."

http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0905/15/ng.01.html

Thanks, Sunstar. Seems very clear.

[sunstar]

Thanks, Sunstar. Seems very clear.

You're most welcome, packy! :smile:


I'm curious just now what forensic test results the DA is waiting for before charging the suspect. :shrug1:

[nanabillie]

I wonder if preceded in death means that they were pronounced dead before she was, or if they have already determined that the children had been dead for a while before she was killed. Maybe I can find an obit for the children and see how it is worded.
I love Joyce Myers, have many of her tapes that had belonged to my Mother. If you are a woman and you watch five minutes of Joyce Myers 95 percent of the time you will be smiling if not laughing. I truly hope the horrible deaths don't hurt her ministry in any way.

[sunstar]

I wonder if preceded in death means that they were pronounced dead before she was, or if they have already determined that the children had been dead for a while before she was killed. Maybe I can find an obit for the children and see how it is worded.
I love Joyce Myers, have many of her tapes that had belonged to my Mother. If you are a woman and you watch five minutes of Joyce Myers 95 percent of the time you will be smiling if not laughing. I truly hope the horrible deaths don't hurt her ministry in any way.

Here's the one for Gavin. It says he was preceded in death by his mother.

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/thesouthern/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=127063230

And the one for Garett. It says the same thing.

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/thesouthern/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=127063231

[nanabillie]

Thanks SunStar.. I guess it really didn't "mean" anything in particular..Just a way to phrase a sad statement. Or a happy one since we know they are with the Lord, now. Just sad for the ones left behind....I go to look for something and start reading.....I may be two hours getting back where I started. Bad habit of mine..
http://suburbanjournals.stltoday.com/articles/2009/05/07/monroe/special_feature/doc4a03397931001676247277.txt

(More at Link)

According to the obituary filed from Pechacek-McClure Funeral Home in Chester, Sheri Coleman was a homemaker, an Air Force veteran, member of Destiny Church in St. Louis and part of the World Outreach Missions.

Garett Coleman was a member of Destiny Church and their youth group, loved sports and played on the Columbia Blue Jay football team and was a 4th grader at Parkview Elementary School.

Gavin Coleman was also a member of Destiny Church and their youth group, a member of the Columbia Blue Jay football team and a 3rd grader at Parkview.

Police continued their search for clues Wednesday night when detectives walked along the right shoulder of westbound Interstate 255 from just west of the bridge to beyond Lindbergh Boulevard.

One new development occurred in the setting up of a makeshift shrine in front of the Coleman home, which features pictures of Sheri, Garett and Gavin on a cross made out of Lego’s. The monument has messages for each Coleman, with "Have fun in Heaven" written above Garett’s picture while "I miss you Gavin" was above Gavin’s photo.

A message for Sheri Coleman inscribed "We will miss you Sheri" was below her picture next to the words "We love yall!!" and "God’s angels now."
:1222423:

[annalyzer]

Here's the one for Gavin. It says he was preceded in death by his mother.

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/thesouthern/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=127063230

And the one for Garett. It says the same thing.

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/thesouthern/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=127063231


Neither mentioned their brother.

[sunstar]

Neither mentioned their brother.

I also noticed that. :blondblush113268230

[Lilly]

Hi anna! :0012: This is a very narrow window of opportunity, imo. The perp would almost have to be waiting outside the house for him to leave, immediately go inside, strangle three people and then take the time to write the message downstairs and get out, not knowing when CC would return.

I'm also not understanding what the "threats" were supposed to be about that CC didn't do something the killer demanded which led to the family being killed? What was CC supposed to do to stop this? Normally this kind of thing occurrs over gambling or drug debts.

Also if CC was so concerned about his family after such a short period of time ~ at an unlikely time of the morning for 3 murders to occur when neighbors are getting up and going to work and might see the perp ~ why didn't CC just go back home instead of calling LE for a welfare check? I thought he was only about 5 min. from home.

Something sure looks wrong with this picture, imo. :waitasec:

Yes, a very narrow window of opportunity :( I'm hoping and praying that CC didn't do this to his wife and sons... but. I can't help asking - if "someone" was sending threats to harm this family, why would this person choose a narrow 90 minute window off opportunity? Wouldn't the killer more likely wait until CC was working and out of the house for the whole shift?

I also believe that LE would have cleared CC publically if the "one" person they belive is responsible is not him.

This is just soooooo sad :(

[sunstar]

Yes, a very narrow window of opportunity :( I'm hoping and praying that CC didn't do this to his wife and sons... but. I can't help asking - if "someone" was sending threats to harm this family, why would this person choose a narrow 90 minute window off opportunity? Wouldn't the killer more likely wait until CC was working and out of the house for the whole shift?

I also believe that LE would have cleared CC publically if the "one" person they belive is responsible is not him.

This is just soooooo sad :(

I agree, and another thing that leads me to believe LE is looking only at him is their confidence that a predator isn't at large who will randomly kill other families. Also, if it isn't him, how can they have narrowed down the possibilities so quickly? I know it sometimes happens, but a stranger going inside a house at the time of day the occupants would be getting up and strangling them, then taking time to write a message in the basement and exit the house in daylight without being seen??? How did the perp know CC wouldn't come right back home and he'd get caught and have to take CC out too? It seems way too staged in my opinion. :mad:

[sunstar]

Glove found in Coleman killings

05/18/2009

A glove found along Interstate 255 may be a key clue to who killed Sheri Coleman and her two sons in their home in Columbia, Ill., law enforcement sources said Monday.

They said the glove appeared to have stains from red spray paint. A similar color paint was used by the killer to scrawl a message on a wall inside the Coleman home, according to a police source.

Investigators are testing the glove for fingerprints and DNA, the sources said, and otherwise checking whether it can be linked to the crime scene.

Coleman, 31, and sons Garett, 11, and Gavin, 9, were found dead in their bedrooms May 5. Neighbors told reporters that police said the victims had been strangled, although no official cause of death has been reported.

Christopher Coleman, the surviving husband and father, told detectives he left home around 5:45 a.m. that day to go to a gym in south St. Louis County. He called police shortly before 7 a.m., worried that he could not reach his family by phone and asking that officers check their well-being. Police found the bodies.

Within several days, investigators walked stretches of Interstate 255 near the Jefferson Barracks Bridge checking the roadsides for something. They wouldn’t disclose what.

Last week, police announced they had identified a lone killer who targeted the family, and turned evidence over to Monroe County State's Attorney Kris Reitz. He has deferred a decision on charges, pending unspecified forensic tests.

William Margulis, the attorney representing Christopher Coleman, declined to comment Monday regarding discovery of the glove.

It was found along what would have been Coleman's route to the gym. Police have not named him as a suspect, although his fingerprints were taken by court order last week and he was under obvious police surveillance for a while.

Asked for comment about the glove, Major Case Squad commander Jeff Connor responded that it "is not a confirmed piece of evidence."

Police sources have said that someone painted words on the wall to the effect of "I told you this would happen."

Coleman had told police he had received some kind of threats in his role as a security manager for Joyce Meyer, an internationally known televangelist based in Jefferson County. He resigned from the job last week; the Joyce Meyer Ministries cited a violation of an unspecified employment policy.

Police sources have said that investigators interviewed a woman in Florida who had been a friend of Sheri Coleman's in high school and who had been involved in a recent romance with Christopher Coleman, meeting him sometimes when he traveled on business. His lawyers also have declined comment on that.

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/laworder/story/82959BCFC0B27305862575BA007A1BAB?OpenDocument

[Lilly]

Some interesting info in Blink On Crime's comment section about a DVD possibly being found on the highway too.


http://http://blinkoncrime.com/2009/05/18/coleman-family-murdered-glove-found-on-chris-coleman-gym-route/

[Lilly]

http://blinkoncrime.com/2009/05/18/coleman-family-murdered-glove-found-on-chris-coleman-gym-route/

This link works.

[sunstar]

If anybody missed Nancy Grace tonight, her program will be on again at 10pm ET. She had Sheri's cousin & family spokesman, Enrico Mirabelli, on her program tonight. He had a lot to say about how her family has been treated by Chris and the Colemans since the murders. :girl_sad:

[packy]

Thanks, Sunstar, she comes on at 9 Central Time. I missed it earlier so may watch it.

[annalyzer]

If anybody missed Nancy Grace tonight, her program will be on again at 10pm ET. She had Sheri's cousin & family spokesman, Enrico Mirabelli, on her program tonight. He had a lot to say about how her family has been treated by Chris and the Colemans since the murders. :girl_sad:


Can't wait for the transcript to come up since I don't get her shows.

[Lilly]

Can't wait for the transcript to come up since I don't get her shows.

I was looking for the transcript but I guess it takes awhile. I've been reading at SM and what some of the posters shared from the show.

Family Spokeperson for Sheri Colemans Family--Enrico J Mirabelli..Cousin of Sheri Coleman..CC will no longer speak to Sheri Colemans Family Members..CC will not answer any of there phone calls or call them back..He has not spoken to them since the day after the murders..CC & his family removed the belonging's of Sheri and the kids out of the home as soon as the home was released back to CC, and never called Sheri's family to see if they would want any of the belongings that belonged to the living family members.

Nick Pister stated that he has interviewed several friends & family members and that none of them are aware of any problems or abuse within the marriage. Couisin said that Sheri never told anyone about an affair. And that not only did Sheri know the other woman but Sheri's family knows this woman and feels like they have been betrayed also. The family spokesman also stated that CC & his family has never offered there condolences to Sheri's family.

Had some discussion about determining the time of death, etc.

All just heresay from posters at SM.

[annalyzer]

Thanks Lilly.

[sunstar]

Christopher Coleman charged in murders of wife, young sons

05/19/2009

COLUMBIA, Ill. -- Christopher Coleman, the father and husband of the family found strangled in their home on May 5, was arrested Tuesday night and charged with three counts of murder.

Coleman was arrested at his parents' home in Chester, Ill., and was being held without bond.

His wife, Sheri Coleman, 31, and their sons, Garett, 11, and Gavin, 9, were found dead in their bedrooms in their home in a quiet subdivision in Columbia, Ill.

Neighbors told reporters that police said the victims were strangled, but police did not confirm the cause of death until Tuesday night. The victims were strangled with ligatures.

Christopher Coleman had told detectives he left home around 5:45 a.m. that day to go to a gym in south St. Louis County. He called police shortly before 7 a.m., worried that he could not reach his family by phone and asking that officers check their well-being. Police found the bodies.

Within several days, investigators walked stretches of Interstate 255 near the Jefferson Barracks Bridge, checking the roadsides for something. They wouldn't disclose what.

Last week, police announced they had identified a lone killer who targeted the family, and turned evidence over to Monroe County State's Attorney Kris Reitz. He has deferred a decision on charges, pending unspecified forensic tests.

William Margulis, the attorney representing Christopher Coleman, declined to comment Monday on reports police found a glove that might be linked to the slayings.


Check back STLtoday.com for updates on this breaking story.

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/laworder/story/235FBE2D9DC6DD31862575BC000D35C7?OpenDocument

[annalyzer]

omg thanks Sunstar!

[sunstar]

omg thanks Sunstar!

You're most welcome! I was just about to go to bed and found this out so I had to share the good news. :smile:

God bless LE, Sheri, Gavin and Garett. :1222423:

[annalyzer]

Husband of slain Illinois family arrested

http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/CRIME/05/19/illinois.slaying.arrests/art.coleman.ktvi.jpg

(CNN) -- Police arrested a southwestern Illinois man in connection with the slayings of his 31-year-old wife and their two young sons.

Chris Coleman was arrested Tuesday at his parents' home. He is being held without bond at a local jail.

Police said Tuesday that they do not have a motive for the killings.

Police found the bodies of Sheri Coleman and the children, Garret, 11, and Gavin, 9, in the bedrooms of their two-floor home in the St. Louis suburb of Columbia, Illinois, on the morning of May 7. Indications were they had been strangled.

Coleman told police he left the house at 5:43 a.m., and drove to a gym to work out.

"Shortly thereafter, he started calling his house, realized that nobody was answering and on his way back at around 6:50 a.m. is when he made the phone call to the Columbia Police Department," said Maj. Jeff Connor of the Major Case Squad.

Connor said Coleman told police he started calling his house shortly after leaving it because he "was making sure the kids were getting up for school."

Connor said threatening messages were found on the walls inside the home, but he would not disclose the exact wording.

Earlier this month, police said they had an idea who committed the slayings, but they were waiting on prosecutors to build a strong forensic case.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/05/19/illinois.slaying.arrests/

[annalyzer]

SW Ill. man charged with killing wife, 2 kids

Associated Press - May 20, 2009 12:14 AM ET

COLUMBIA, Ill. (AP) - Authorities say they aren't looking for any other suspects after arresting a southwestern Illinois man for allegedly strangling his wife and two young sons.

That's according to Columbia police Chief Joe Edwards, who also says the case remains open.

Chris Coleman was arrested today at his parents' home in Chester, about 40 miles from Columbia. He's charged in Monroe County with three counts of first degree murder.

Authorities say he killed 31-year-old Sheri Coleman and their two sons, 11-year-old Garett and 9-year-old Gavin.

Police would not discuss a possible motive at a late-night news conference in Columbia.

Chris Coleman is being held without bond and is due in court tomorrow.

His attorney did not immediately return a call seeking comment.

http://www.wrex.com/Global/story.asp?S=10392731

[rockford2]

why why why??? over some other woman??? not having to pay child support??? Total freedom??? or all of the above? Of course we won't really know why, but WHY must kids suffer and be tossed out like garbage? For heck sake, I'm sure there would have been many people who would have wanted to adopt those kids if family could not step in!!:madranting94dp:

and how anyone could take another life when NOT faced with danger..

Thanks much for the updates! :howdy:

[Isabella]

You're most welcome! I was just about to go to bed and found this out so I had to share the good news. :smile:

God bless LE, Sheri, Gavin and Garett. :1222423:
TY, this truly is great news!

Now he will pay for his horrific act.

For Sheri and her precious sons, may they rest in peace. :1222423:

[LiveLaughLuv]

updated 1 hour, 21 minutes agoNext Article in Crime »

Read VIDEO



(CNN) -- Police arrested a southwestern Illinois man in connection with the slayings of his 31-year-old wife and their two young sons.


Chris and Sheri Coleman are shown with their two boys, Garret and Gavin.

1 of 3 Christopher Coleman was arrested Tuesday at his parents' home in Chester, Illinois.

Coleman faces three counts of first-degree murder, said Maj. Jeff Connor, of the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis.

Coleman is being held without bond and was expected to appear in court Wednesday, according to Connor.

Police found the bodies of Sheri Coleman and the children, Garret, 11, and Gavin, 9, in the bedrooms of their two-floor home in the St. Louis suburb of Columbia, Illinois, on the morning of May 5. Watch how a glove may be key to the case »

Connor said the three died of ligature strangulation, meaning a item such as a cable or wire was used.

Coleman told police he left the house at 5:43 a.m.,
http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/05/19/illinois.slaying.arrests/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

[Isabella]

Press conference after arrest last night...

http://www.kmov.com/video/topvideo-index.html?nvid=363380

Coleman being transferred.

http://www.kmov.com/video/topvideo-index.html?nvid=363394

[Lilly]

I pray that justice is served for Sheri, Gavin and Garrett. God bless their loved ones in their sorrow and the rough path ahead.

[Faith]

I pray that justice is served for Sheri, Gavin and Garrett. God bless their loved ones in their sorrow and the rough path ahead.

Amen!

[Faith]

What is wrong with people nowadays???????

How can a man allegedly kill his own children?

I can't comprehend this.

I am glad an arrest has been made. I pray there will be quick justice for this mom and her precious boys.

[nanabillie]

I was so hoping that he didn't do it. :(

[Heather]

I was really hoping he hadn't done it too. I just don't understand. Not only did he kill his family, his own flesh and blood, but he chose a method that was so personally involved. How on earth do people do these things? It would be awfully unusual for him to have been a loving family man who just snapped all of a sudden and comitted such a horrible act. I wonder what else this poor family may have endured. It's pretty scary that the people interviewed thought he was such a nice guy. I hope this other woman doesn't "stand by her man". That crap makes me sick!!! RIP together Sheri, Garret and Gavin.

[Isabella]

I was really hoping he hadn't done it too. I just don't understand. Not only did he kill his family, his own flesh and blood, but he chose a method that was so personally involved. How on earth do people do these things? It would be awfully unusual for him to have been a loving family man who just snapped all of a sudden and comitted such a horrible act. I wonder what else this poor family may have endured. It's pretty scary that the people interviewed thought he was such a nice guy. I hope this other woman doesn't "stand by her man". That crap makes me sick!!! RIP together Sheri, Garret and Gavin.
You're so right Heather, the method is what I can't even
imagine and the way they may have suffered. :sad0119:

[Naia]

:mad:Why did he have to kill his wife, his precious children?:1187603408.CR.Mothe:1187603408.CR.Mothe
I suspected him yet I'm sick about him being the murderer. Why not get a divorce? :1187603408.CR.Mothe

May God help Sherri's family and friends get through the trial. Rough days are ahead, we need to pray for them.

(I wonder how CC's parents are doing?)

[annalyzer]

:mad:Why did he have to kill his wife, his precious children?:1187603408.CR.Mothe:1187603408.CR.Mothe
I suspected him yet I'm sick about him being the murderer. Why not get a divorce? :1187603408.CR.Mothe

May God help Sherri's family and friends get through the trial. Rough days are ahead, we need to pray for them.

(I wonder how CC's parents are doing?)

His father is a pastor too.

[Tracian]

Crowd shouts Murderer


http://www.bnd.com/100/story/775913.html


Arrest Warrant

http://www.fox2now.com/media/acrobat/2009-05/47026869.pdf

[Naia]

His father is a pastor too.
:eek:, oh no. :sad0119:

[Lilly]

:1187603408.CR.Mothe:eek:, oh no. :sad0119:

:1187603408.CR.Mothe

I dont understand how a father can do this. It makes NO sense to me. He killed with his hands three times, people he was supposed to love and protect. It just breaks my heart. I have boys age 6 and 9. They're so energetic and full of love and adventure. How could a father snuff out that light? :mad:

[Pauli]

Please remember, for legal reasons, he allegedly killed his wife and boys.. he has not been convicted yet so he can not be outright called a killer/murderer. You can say that you believe the evidence points to him or in my heart I feel he is guilty etc.. you just can't state it as a fact until/if convicted.

Thanks everyone.

[sunstar]

You're so right Heather, the method is what I can't even
imagine and the way they may have suffered. :sad0119:

I was watching Nancy Grace's show tonight and she had Dr. Michael Arnall on talking about how a person would die if being strangled by ligature. He said the victim could become unconscious within seconds and die within a couple of minutes if they didn't fight back. Whoever would use this method would want to see their victims suffer. :madranting94dp:

[sunstar]

Coleman pleads not guilty

Wednesday, May 20, 2009 3:32 PM CDT



Shortly after a night in which Chris Coleman was arrested and charged with three counts of first degree murder, the Columbia resident made his first appearance at the Monroe County Courthouse.

Appearing in an orange jumpsuit and shackled, Coleman plead not guilty to in the murders of Sheri, 31, Gavin, 9, and Garett, 11, Coleman—his wife and two sons.

St. Clair County associate judge Stephen Rice took the plea and set a preliminary hearing for Chris Coleman at 10 a.m. June 10.

Chris Coleman was arrested Tuesday night at his parents’ house in Chester, Ill., after the Major Case Squad and Columbia Police Department obtained a warrant for his arrest.

Investigations have taken place around the clock since May 5, when the bodies of Sheri, Gavin and Garett Coleman were found in their house at 2854 Robert Drive in Columbia.

more at: http://suburbanjournals.stltoday.com/articles/2009/05/20/monroe/news/doc4a1468c6eff7a209317311.txt

[Heather]

Oops, I already had him convicted! Sorry about that! :grin:

[Lilly]

Please remember, for legal reasons, he allegedly killed his wife and boys.. he has not been convicted yet so he can not be outright called a killer/murderer. You can say that you believe the evidence points to him or in my heart I feel he is guilty etc.. you just can't state it as a fact until/if convicted.

Thanks everyone.

Thanks for the reminder Pauli :) I need to remember not to post when I'm upset and venting!

[annalyzer]

Crowd shouts Murderer


http://www.bnd.com/100/story/775913.html


Arrest Warrant

http://www.fox2now.com/media/acrobat/2009-05/47026869.pdf



Crowd shouts 'murderer' as Coleman faces triple murder charges

BY BETH HUNDSDORFER - News-Democrat
Wednesday, May. 20, 2009

Christopher Coleman was led into a Monroe County courtroom Wednesday morning amid cries from more than 25 onlookers who shouted "baby killer," "murderer" and "they finally got you" moments before he pleaded "not guilty" of the homicide of his wife and two young sons.

In an orange jail jumpsuit and shackled, Coleman, 32, stood in Waterloo before visiting judge Stephen Rice, an associate judge in St. Clair County, who ordered him held without bail, waived the reading of the charges against him and pleaded not guilty .

Rice set 10 a.m., June 10, for a preliminary hearing, when details of the murders could be made public.

http://media.bnd.com/smedia/2009/05/20/10/802-052009tvarraignment.embedded.prod_affiliate.98.jpg
Chris Coleman is taken into the Monroe County Courthouse in a sheriff's car for his arraignment Wednesday morning.

The bodies of Sheri Coleman, 31, and the couple's sons Garett, 11, and Gavin, 9, were found in their home at 2854 Robert Drive in Columbia.

Chris and Sheri Coleman received threats related to his job as a Joyce Meyer security guard beginning in November, neighbors have said. Police investigating the murders found a message on the wall of the home, Granite City Police Maj. Jeff Connor, head of the Major Case Squad, confirmed.

He declined to elaborate on the nature or content of the message.

Cindy Theis, a manager at the Waterloo Rural King, said on Wednesday that Major Case Squad investigators came to the store inquiring about red spray paint very early on in the investigation.

"They asked about lot numbers, brands we carried and how much we sold over a certain period," Theis said.

Connor confirmed detectives visited several stores in the area related to the investigation, but declined to discuss what they were seeking. On Tuesday night just after Coleman was arrested at his parent's home in Chester, Connor told reporters that all three victims had been strangled with a "ligature," some type of wire, rope or cord.

After the arraignment, Chris Coleman's attorney, William Margulis of St. Louis, told reporters that he would probably seek a change of venue from Monroe County where the triple murder has dominated the news since May 5. Margulis said he has not decided whether to seek bail for Coleman.

A prosecutor must file a verified petition, asking a judge to deny bail, according to Illinois law. A judge must determine whether the defendant's admission to bail poses "a real and present threat to the physical safe of any person," the law states.

Because Coleman is being held without bond, the case must be brought to trial within 90 days, instead of the typical 120 days. If the case has not gone to trial within 90 days, bail must be set, according to law.

"My client maintains his innocence and this will play out in the judicial system," Margulis told reporters.

Monroe County State's Attorney Kris Reitz declined to comment.

When Coleman was led back through the sallyport to be returned to the Monroe County Jail, onlookers continued their taunts. One shouted, "Hell's too good for you."

Coleman, a former security worker with Joyce Meyer Ministries based in St. Louis, resigned from his job after being told that he had violated a "moral policy." Ministry spokesman Roby Walker today declined to discuss specifics of the allegation.

The ministry released the following statement, "This horrible tragedy has deeply saddened us all and although nothing can compensate for the loss of this beautiful family, our ministry remains fully behind the diligent efforts of the law enforcement community."

Enrico Mirabelli, Sheri's cousin and spokesman for her family said Coleman's arrest gives them some closure.

"The arrest gives the family certain closure because one of the questions of who did it, we believe, has now been answered," he said. "You can't make sense out of a senseless act, and now we are left with the question of why it happened, which may never be answered. But that's an important question to Sheri's family."

Even those who were not angry and shouting said seeing the father charged with murdering his sons was dramatic.

"There is just some kind of heartbreak in this kind of case," said Tracy Combs, of Waterloo. "I just wanted to lay my eyes on the man who would do this."

Combs said she and her 4-year-old daughter placed a teddy bear at the memorial that has grown outside the Coleman house in Columbia.

The crowd of locals were joined by a dozen from the media at the courthouse for Chris Coleman's arraignment Wednesday morning.

Members of the Major Case Squad have declined to discuss a motive.

Kim Dattilo, of Waterloo, said local residents are angry. She said she hopes Monroe County State's Attorney Kris Reitz pursues the death penalty against Chris Coleman.

"This is exactly why the death penalty was created," Dattilo said.

Coleman was guarded by several Monroe County sheriff's cars and deputies were working to control the crowd.

[Naia]

Can you imagine how CC's parents must feel? I learned here at HFTM today that the accuseds father is a minister. Which means he most likely was raised in a God fearing, loving home. CC's parents must be in shock at the deaths of their grandson's and DIL but in shock because of their son's arrest.

Sherri's parents, how are they getting through this? I can't imagine the hurt and emptiness they feel after loosing their daughter and 2 grandsons to murder.:1187603408.CR.Mothe

[Naia]

http://www.fox2now.com/ktvi-coleman-late-0502009,0,416940.story
Video and written report
The Major Case Squad reveals new details about the arrest of Christopher Coleman, and the scene of the triple murder he is accused of commiting.

When police announced the arrest in a late night news conference Tuesday, they would only say new evidence gathered that day convinced prosecutors to file first degree murder charges against Coleman, in the deaths of his wife Sheri and their sons Gavin and Garett. Just six days before, police warned it could be weeks before an arrest would come. They said they had a suspect, but did not have enough evidence to press charges.

[Tracian]

Can you imagine how CC's parents must feel? I learned here at HFTM today that the accuseds father is a minister. Which means he most likely was raised in a God fearing, loving home. CC's parents must be in shock at the deaths of their grandson's and DIL but in shock because of their son's arrest.

Sherri's parents, how are they getting through this? I can't imagine the hurt and emptiness they feel after loosing their daughter and 2 grandsons to murder.:1187603408.CR.Mothe


According to Sheri's family on NG...Chris's and his parents basically froze Shari's family out from the first day, and even cleared out the house of Shari's and the boy's belongings without even asking if her side of the family wanted anything.

[Naia]

Oh no, :confused:things are worse than I imagined.
Sherri's poor family. :1187603408.CR.Mothe

[Amusedtdth]

I was watching Nancy Grace's show tonight and she had Dr. Michael Arnall on talking about how a person would die if being strangled by ligature. He said the victim could become unconscious within seconds and die within a couple of minutes if they didn't fight back. Whoever would use this method would want to see their victims suffer. :madranting94dp:

Not to mention, the vicims can see the killer before they become unconscious.
I just read this for the first time and wish I hadn't. Those poor babies and Mom.:1187603408.CR.Mothe

[Isabella]

'I Told You So' Written on Wall of House Where Woman, 2 Sons Found Strangled

Friday, May 22, 2009

Four haunting words were spray-painted in red on a wall of the Illinois home where a woman and her sons were found strangled: "I told you so."

That and other new details have emerged since Wednesday, when Chris Coleman, 32, pleaded not guilty to three counts of first-degree murder, accused of killing his 31-year-old wife, Sheri Coleman, and their children, 11-year-old Garett and 9-year-old Gavin.

Major Case Squad Deputy Commander Major Jeff Connor told FOX affiliate KTVI-TV that it was not one piece of evidence but several factors that prompted police to arrest Coleman on Tuesday. He is being held without bond.

"I can tell you this investigation took us all over the place, several states, businesses, worship centers, residential areas, all over, so I don't want to key in on any one piece of evidence," Connor told KTVI.

He said the bodies of Sheri, Gavin and Garett were found, strangled, in separate bedrooms in the family's Columbia, Ill., home, and that a basement window of the home was found open on the morning of May 5.

Shari Coleman's family will file a wrongful death lawsuit against her husband next week, KTVI reported.

People lined the street near the courthouse as Coleman arrived Wednesday morning, heckling him.

"Murderer!" some yelled at the car in which Coleman rode. "Baby killer!" yelled another, KTVI reported.

'It's what he deserves," an unidentified man told KTVI.

During a roughly five-minute court appearance Wednesday, Coleman stood next to his attorney shackled at the ankles and waist.

Judge Stephen Rice told Coleman that prosecutors will decide whether to seek the death penalty and told him that he also could get up to life in prison. Coleman's next court appearance is June 10.


More at link...

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,521119,00.html

[sunstar]

I'm still trying to figure out how "I told you so" figure in to CC's story of somebody threatening him and his family and then coming into the house and killing them. Wouldn't it be more like "You were warned" or "I told you this would happen"? This sounds more like something the killer would be directing toward the victims themselves, instead of him. :waitasec:

[Naia]

I'm still trying to figure out how "I told you so" figure in to CC's story of somebody threatening him and his family and then coming into the house and killing them. Wouldn't it be more like "You were warned" or "I told you this would happen"? This sounds more like something the killer would be directing toward the victims themselves, instead of him. :waitasec:


sunstar,
Remember news reports mentioned that a few weeks ago the family was being harassed. Imo, we'll most likely hear that the words spray painted in the home and the phrase used in the harassment are one and the same. If the murders were premeditated, the words painted on the walls of the home may somehow point back to the false harassment.

[Naia]

Sources say family dead before suspect left home.
http://www.southernillinoisan.com/articles/2009/05/23/breaking_news/doc4a172462801f5334494730.txt
Colemans were dead before suspect left, sources say
BY NICHOLAS J.C. PISTOR, The Southern Wire Services
Saturday, May 23, 2009 3:09 PM CDT
COLUMBIA -- Forensic tests showing that Christopher Coleman’s wife and two sons were slain before the time he said he left home focused police attention squarely on him, sources say.

[Naia]

Sherri Coleman's family plan wrongful death suit.
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/illinoisnews/story/B49D90FBACDDDD47862575BD006263C8?OpenDocument

"The purpose and goal is to ensure there is no ill-gotten gain from the murder of Sheri, Garett and Gavin," Mirabelli said.

Mirabelli wouldn't say when the civil suit would be filed.

[Lilly]

Sources say family dead before suspect left home.
http://www.southernillinoisan.com/articles/2009/05/23/breaking_news/doc4a172462801f5334494730.txt
Colemans were dead before suspect left, sources say
BY NICHOLAS J.C. PISTOR, The Southern Wire Services
Saturday, May 23, 2009 3:09 PM CDT

Interesting. Sources say that Dr. Baden has been called in to work for the prosecution on this case.

[annalyzer]

Family Of Sheri Coleman To File Wrongful Death Lawsuit

By Teresa Woodard
May 25, 2009

BELLEVILLE, IL (KTVI-FOX2now.com) - A wrongful death lawsuit will be filed Tuesday in a Monroe County court, against Christopher Coleman. His deceased wife's family is suing for access to the Coleman home in Columbia, and to any assets Sheri owned. Sheri and her two sons, Garett and Gavin, were found strangled in their Columbia, Illinois home May 5th. Chris Coleman is charged on three counts of first degree murder.

"Christopher Coleman controls all the assets of this family," says Belleville attorney Jack Carey. "And he happens to be charged with three counts of murder."

Carey will file the suit Tuesday morning, with his co-counsel, Enrico Mirabelli, who is an attorney from Chicago. Mirabelli is also Sheri Coleman's cousin.

Carey says the suit is a two part complaint. "One is that he did it," says Carey. "Of course he has expressed a not guilty plea."

"I have filed a second count alleging negligence. That is, if these threats were real, he was negligent in that he failed to protect his wife and his two children."

Christopher Coleman filed police reports months ago claiming someone was threatening his family. The case being built against him seems to allege those threats were a front. Coleman is charged with murdering his family inside their home. Sheri, Gavin, and Garret were found strangled May 5.

Carey says Sheri Coleman's family does not know what is rightfully Sheri's. Her mother is left with only memories and grief.

"The only thing that Angela [Sheri's mother] has she's gotten off the internet or the newspapers," says Carey. "No mementos, nothing from this tragedy."

Six days after the murders and about a week before charges were filed, Christopher Coleman's family spent two hours inside the home in Columbia, hauling away a trailer full of belongings. But Sheri Coleman's family has not yet been inside.

They have no legal right to enter because Sheri's name was taken off the deed in October. Carey is asking a judge to grant a temporary restraining order on that deed. If the judge grants access, Carey says Sheri's family, some of whom are in town, will go inside the home as soon as possible to look around and take an inventory of what is there. One of the first things they will search for is Sheri's signature on something, to see if it matches the paperwork which removed her from the deed.

The lawsuit requires Christopher Coleman to reveal what is rightfully Sheri's. Carey says her family does not know. And while they do not want her money, they want it protected.

"Money is not it," says Carey. "We want to make sure whoever did this does not get one thin dime out of this tragedy."

"They do not want anyone to profit from the deaths of these two young boys and Sheri."

http://www.fox2now.com/ktvi-shericolemanwrongfuldealth-052509,0,7721929.story

[packy]

Hearing now on Nancy Grace at the different words that were on the walls. Nothing like we first heard.

I just can't fathom how a wrongful death charge can be put on someone who hasn't even been tried yet, but I know they can do it. And can do it even if he is acquitted like in the OJ case.

[annalyzer]

Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed Against Chris Coleman

Shari Coleman's Family Wants Access To Home

By George Sells
May 26, 2009

WATERLOO, IL (KTVI-FOX2now.com) - "Punished." "You have paid." "I am always watching you." Those phrases, mixed in with profanity, are some of what attorney Jack Carey saw spray painted on the wall of the Coleman home in Columbia Tuesday afternoon. He called the experience emotional and enough to drive him from the house.

Carey was there along with Sheri Coleman's brother and cousin after receiving a court order around noon giving their family access to the house for the first time.

Carey describes the home as packed up to be moved. He says there are no pictures on the walls inside. There are boxes, at least one labeled, "toys," along with trash bags filled with belongings.

None of it will be moved for at least ten days, however. A Monroe County judge ordered that all items be left in the house, by the Coleman family until he begins making rulings regarding possession of what's in the house.

It's all part of a wrongful death lawsuit filed on behalf of Sheri Coleman's family earlier Tuesday morning. In it, the family accuses Christopher Coleman of being responsible for the deaths for Sheri, and her sons Gavin and Garett, or at least negligent.

They say the case is not about money, but about keeping anyone from "profiting from the deaths" of Sheri Coleman and her boys.

Sheri Coleman's brother, Mario Weiss, also spoke in public for the first time about the killings. He described a cordial relationship with Chris Coleman, the accused killer, before the murders happened.

"We weren't close," he said, "but he was my brother-in-law." He described taking Chris Coleman and his kids to White Sox games in his home of Chicago, and spending time with him periodically.

Weiss described himself as, "one of the last hold outs," unwilling to believe that Chris Coleman had actually killed his sister and nephews. He says he now believes Coleman is, in fact, the murderer.

Speaking about the lawsuit, Weiss said any money obtained by his family would be given to the City of Columbia to use toward a memorial, possibly a park, in remembrance of his sister and nephews.

Weiss and Sheri Coleman's cousin, Enrico Mirabelli, described Chris Coleman's treatment of his family in the days following the murders as, "a total lack of respect." He says there were no notes, letters, emails, or any form of sympathetic communication from Coleman to the family of his murdered wife.

Back at the Columbia home, Mirabelli was visibly emotional, even shaken, as he came out of the house where the killings took place. At first he said he was too emotional to speak to the media, but then, after a couple of minutes, he took questions.

Asked if he believe Chris Coleman is the killer, Mirabelli said, "my personal feelings are irrelevant as to whether he's innocent, or guilty as hell."

http://www.fox2now.com/ktvi-triple-murder-coleman-lawsuit-columbia-052609,0,2984988.story

[Isabella]

Hearing now on Nancy Grace at the different words that were on the walls. Nothing like we first heard.

I just can't fathom how a wrongful death charge can be put on someone who hasn't even been tried yet, but I know they can do it. And can do it even if he is acquitted like in the OJ case.
I am watching NG to...can't believe what all was painted on the
wall..very disturbing!

I do agree with you on the wrongful death suit, I guess some
would say it's if he makes any money it would go to her
family but right now no matter what we think he is presumed
innocent until proven otherwise. jmo

[annalyzer]

Hearing now on Nancy Grace at the different words that were on the walls. Nothing like we first heard.

I just can't fathom how a wrongful death charge can be put on someone who hasn't even been tried yet, but I know they can do it. And can do it even if he is acquitted like in the OJ case.


Jason Young was declared the slayer of his wife Michelle and their unborn son and he hasn't even been named a suspect.

[SavannahStar]

I am watching NG to...can't believe what all was painted on the
wall..very disturbing!

I do agree with you on the wrongful death suit, I guess some
would say it's if he makes any money it would go to her
family but right now no matter what we think he is presumed
innocent until proven otherwise. jmo

The wrongful death suit was confusing to me, when they talked about it. Other suits like that have indeed been brought in order to keep the perp from "profiting" from the crime. But on NG they kept talking about Coleman's current assets, any money or stuff he has in the house,....and the attys were saying they didn't want him to get "one thin dime." So is the suit about the family's money NOW or Coleman's possible FUTURE profit?

If it is about what Coleman and his wife owned together before her death, I don't think the wife's family is entitled to that. And like one defense atty argued on NG, it's just not far to Coleman to be on trial for his life and to have to worry about this lawsuit at the same time. Isn't he entitled to his own money for his defense?

It's just very odd, IMO, to allow this lawsuit to go forth at this time.

[Tracian]

The wrongful death suit was confusing to me, when they talked about it. Other suits like that have indeed been brought in order to keep the perp from "profiting" from the crime. But on NG they kept talking about Coleman's current assets, any money or stuff he has in the house,....and the attys were saying they didn't want him to get "one thin dime." So is the suit about the family's money NOW or Coleman's possible FUTURE profit?

If it is about what Coleman and his wife owned together before her death, I don't think the wife's family is entitled to that. And like one defense atty argued on NG, it's just not far to Coleman to be on trial for his life and to have to worry about this lawsuit at the same time. Isn't he entitled to his own money for his defense?

It's just very odd, IMO, to allow this lawsuit to go forth at this time.


Really it is quite simple why they filed. They don't want Coleman using the money to buy a huge defense team.

I don't blame them a bit, after Shari and her children were murdered, Coleman and his parents, like the Petersons, just started clearing out personal items, never even asking the family if they want a momento from Shari or her children.

[Isabella]

Really it is quite simple why they filed. They don't want Coleman using the money to buy a huge defense team.

I don't blame them a bit, after Shari and her children were murdered, Coleman and his parents, like the Petersons, just started clearing out personal items, never even asking the family if they want a momento from Shari or her children.
But wouldn't this be a civil suit?

The criminal trial could be over and done before a Judge
or jury hears the civil suit, so that wouldn't stop him
from using his assets for an attorney imo.

[Trailblazer]

But wouldn't this be a civil suit?

The criminal trial could be over and done before a Judge
or jury hears the civil suit, so that wouldn't stop him
from using his assets for an attorney imo.


Yes this would be a civil case....but look at the Casey Anthony civil case...It's moving along before the criminal trial...

And remember, it takes a long time before the criminal trial happens, especially in a capital murder case...

[SavannahStar]

Really it is quite simple why they filed. They don't want Coleman using the money to buy a huge defense team.

I don't blame them a bit, after Shari and her children were murdered, Coleman and his parents, like the Petersons, just started clearing out personal items, never even asking the family if they want a momento from Shari or her children.

A huge defense team does not guarantee someone will be found not guilty.

He is entitled to money or assets jointly owned by him and his deceased wife.

Because right now, according to our judicial system, he is innocent until proven guilty.

I do personally believe he is probably guilty.

But I am not at all in favor of this civil suit.

[Tracian]

A huge defense team does not guarantee someone will be found not guilty.

He is entitled to money or assets jointly owned by him and his deceased wife.

Because right now, according to our judicial system, he is innocent until proven guilty.

I do personally believe he is probably guilty.

But I am not at all in favor of this civil suit.


I realize he is innocent until proven guilty; however, Shari's family should have a right to her share of the marital property.

Even insurance companies do not pay claims if the beneficiary is charged with the murder of the insured, even before a trial.

[annalyzer]

Warrants provide fuller look at Coleman murder case

http://images.stltoday.com/stltoday/resources/murd625may28.jpg
MAY 26, 2009 -- The brother of Sheri Coleman, Mario Weiss, left, leaves the Coleman family home with his attorney and Sheri Coleman's cousin, Enrico Mirabelli, after they received a judge's order to enter the house. Earlier in the morning Mirabelli filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Christopher Coleman. Coleman is accused in the strangulation deaths of his wife Sheri and sons Garett and Gavin.

ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
05/28/2009

WATERLOO — From a body already in rigor mortis to twine that could be the garrote that killed three people, physical evidence listed in court files unsealed Wednesday gives the clearest look yet at the murder case against Christopher Coleman.Police reported that Sheri Coleman showed signs of rigor mortis — a temporary stiffening of the body that usually does not begin until several hours after death — upon discovering her about 7 a.m. May 5. Christopher Coleman told detectives that his wife and sons Garett, 11, and Gavin, 9, were sleeping when he left for a gym workout only a little more than an hour before.

His route to Gold's Gym, at 151 Concord Plaza in south St. Louis County, would have taken him along Interstate 255. Search warrants show that police found a length of orange twine with a knot that "resembled a noose" tied on one end along the westbound lanes, west of the Jefferson Barracks Bridge.

They also seized orange twine used to bind four bales of straw in the Colemans' backyard.

Investigators have said the killer used some kind of ligature to strangle the victims.

The more than 20 pages of search warrant affidavits and inventories, filed in Monroe County Circuit Court in Waterloo, also outline specifics of written threats that Coleman said he had received in regard to his role as security manager for televangelist Joyce Meyer.

Police sources say they believe Coleman created the notes and spray-painted sinister, obscenity-laced messages on the walls of the house at 2854 Robert Drive to make it appear his family was the victim of a vendetta against his boss, who has a worldwide following.

Among the evidence listed is a receipt for a can of spray paint purchased July 29, 2008, at a Home Depot store. The receipt was in a travel bag containing Coleman's wallet.

Jack Carey, a lawyer representing Sheri Coleman's family, visited the house Tuesday and said the painted words included "punished" and "I saw you leave, (obscenity) you, I am always watching."

Coleman had called police on Jan. 2 to complain of an anonymous threatening letter left in his mailbox. According to court documents, it said, "Deny your God publically or else! No more opportunities. Time is running out for you and your family!"

It also said, 'Have a good time in India (obscenity)." It did not refer to anyone by name, but Meyer did a "conference tour" in Bangalore, India, from Jan. 15-18, according to a schedule posted on her website.

Sheri Coleman had traveled overseas also, doing missionary work for Joyce Meyer Ministries, based in Jefferson County.

A second threatening note, reported by Christopher Coleman on April 27, seemed to refer to Meyer but does not name her.

It said, "You have not listened to me and you have not changed your ways. I have warned you to stop traveling and stop carrying on with this fake religious life of stealing people's money. You think you are so special to do what you do, protecting or think you are protecting her. She is a (obscenity) and not worth you doing it. Stop today or else. I know your schedule! You can't hide from me ever. I'm always watching. I know when you leave in the morning and I know when you stay home. I saw you leave this morning."

In addition, it said in capital letters: "THIS IS MY LAST WARNING! YOUR WORST NIGHTMARE IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN!"

Meyer visited the Coleman home to offer condolences about an hour after the bodies were discovered. She has declined through a spokesman to be interviewed about the case.

Days later, before his arrest, Coleman resigned from the ministry. A spokesman for Meyer cited an unspecified violation of a morals clause.

Items seized with search warrants included airplane boarding passes in the names of Coleman and Meyer. The documents unsealed Wednesday made no mention of a glove that law enforcement sources had previously reported recovered along I-255.

From Coleman's 1998 Ford Explorer, police took a greeting card dated Jan. 24 and sent from St. Petersburg, Fla., to a post office box he had in Columbia. The court documents do not indicate who sent it.

Police sources have said that Coleman had been involved in a romance with a woman in Largo, Fla., who was a longtime friend of his wife. Largo is near St. Petersburg. The Largo woman has not responded to repeated messages left by reporters.

Arthur Margulis, one of Christopher Coleman's lawyers, declined to comment on Wednesday's public revelations.

In their filed statements, officers said they went to the house after Coleman called with concerns that nobody answered the phone there. They found a back basement window open and, with guns drawn, used it to enter the house.

Sheri Coleman, 31, was found nude, face-down on her bed in the master bedroom, the documents say. The boys were dead on their beds in their bedrooms.

Police said that Christopher Coleman arrived and yelled from outside, "What's going on? What's going on?" After being told, they said, he "sat down on the driveway and started crying."

The filings indicate that Coleman had security cameras in the house, and that police seized a DVD with images made that day. But there was no explanation of what, if anything, was on it.

There was no specific mention of Coleman's physical condition, but an inventory showed that technicians took swabs from a "reddish injury" and two "scratches" on his right forearm.

No elaboration was provided for seizure of unsigned home refinancing documents. Sheri Coleman's family, which filed a wrongful-death suit Tuesday against Christopher Coleman, has publicly raised doubt that removal of her name in November from their joint ownership of the house was voluntary.

Also taken by police, from the SUV, was a transaction history for a Bank of America line of home equity credit.

There was no explanation for why detectives took the Dish Network satellite antenna off the roof.

Inventories showed seizure of several computers and drives, cell phones, two handguns with loaded magazines, and various shoestrings and cords.

Also listed: "Walt Disney travel tickets for Coleman family — located on computer desk in basement."

(comments at link)
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/laworder/story/817EA6379E6F0BF2862575C4000DABF6?OpenDocument

[SavannahStar]

I realize he is innocent until proven guilty; however, Shari's family should have a right to her share of the marital property.

Even insurance companies do not pay claims if the beneficiary is charged with the murder of the insured, even before a trial.

Okay, I understand, and yes, I do agree with that. However, the family has not made that clear. I kept hearing their words "make sure he does not get one DIME"....so it sure sounded like they were going after ALL the money, not only just her share.

:confused:

[Tracian]

Okay, I understand, and yes, I do agree with that. However, the family has not made that clear. I kept hearing their words "make sure he does not get one DIME"....so it sure sounded like they were going after ALL the money, not only just her share.

:confused:


Oh I think they are going after every dime; because they (and I agree) believe he murdered Shari and her sons, and should not benefit at all from that crime.

Just something I heard, if this is true, Coleman is dumb as a post...they actually found receipts from Home Depot in the house, for gloves and red spray paint?

He should be sentenced to death for stupidity alone.

[SavannahStar]

Oh I think they are going after every dime; because they (and I agree) believe he murdered Shari and her sons, and should not benefit at all from that crime.

Just something I heard, if this is true, Coleman is dumb as a post...they actually found receipts from Home Depot in the house, for gloves and red spray paint?

He should be sentenced to death for stupidity alone.

But I don't think using his share of their money is benefiting from the crime! He is entitled to a defense, whatever he can afford.

So they ARE going after every dime....this means HIS share of their assets?

See, I don't get that.

(I also think he's dumb.)

[Tracian]

But I don't think using his share of their money is benefiting from the crime! He is entitled to a defense, whatever he can afford.

So they ARE going after every dime....this means HIS share of their assets?

See, I don't get that.

(I also think he's dumb.)



Well, I kinda feel this way:

If it was my daughter that was murdered, I would do anything and everything to make her killers life miserable.

[sunstar]

Oh I think they are going after every dime; because they (and I agree) believe he murdered Shari and her sons, and should not benefit at all from that crime.

Just something I heard, if this is true, Coleman is dumb as a post...they actually found receipts from Home Depot in the house, for gloves and red spray paint?

He should be sentenced to death for stupidity alone.

IIRC, the receipt from Home Depot for the red spray paint was months before the murders, so his defense could say the "real killer" just used what was handy around the house. I think the woman he was having an affair with (by his own admission, he was having an affair) will be a key witness in court. On Nancy Grace's show tonight, they were saying that a wedding was planned for next year, a trip for the two of them planned this summer, and Coleman allegedly told her he'd be divorced from Sheri this month. About the DP, it wouldn't surprise me if the DA asks for it with a triple murder. MOO

[sunstar]

Latest Coleman revelation: He admitted to affair with wife's 'good friend'

Monday, Jun. 01, 2009

In the hours before Christopher Coleman's wife and two sons were found strangled in their Columbia home, Coleman talked long distance to a girlfriend in Florida he planned to marry, according to search warrant records filed Friday.

Coleman planned to divorce his wife by June 14 and marry his wife's "good friend" Tara Lintz, 31, of St. Petersburg, Fla., next year, according to the records that became available after legal action filed by the Belleville News-Democrat in Monroe County Circuit Court.

Coleman has been charged with first-degree murder in the May 5 ligature strangulations of his wife, Sheri Coleman, 31, and their sons Garett, 11, and Gavin, 9. The 32-year-old former head of security for the Joyce Meyer Ministries is being held in Monroe County Jail without bond.


The records reveal the following:

• During an interview with homicide investigators from the St. Petersburg Police Department, Lintz admitted having a sexual relationship with Christopher Coleman, 32, since November. Lintz said Coleman planned to divorce Sheri Coleman by June 14.

The relationship started several weeks after Sheri Coleman signed off the family's deed to their $230,000 home at 2854 Robert Drive in Columbia on Oct. 6.

• Lintz told police Coleman told her that he did not commit the homicides and that he had an alibi.

• Coleman told investigators from the Major Case Squad that he denied committing the homicides but admitted having a sexual relationship with Lintz.

• The last login date of Sheri Coleman's MySpace account was May 4 -- the day before her body was found. The time of the login was not known. Lintz was listed as a friend on Sheri Coleman's MySpace account.

• Sheri Coleman's friends told police that she recently closed her Facebook account because she received threats possibly related to death threats she had received at her residence.

"Sheri also reported to friends that there were unauthorized changes to her Facebook account without her knowledge," the records stated.

• Lintz told Florida officers that Christopher Coleman was receiving death threats and that he had e-mailed Lintz pictures of the threatening letter to her Gmail account.

• Lintz admitted having "explicit communication" with Christopher Coleman by using her Blackberry, which can transport instant images, and her Facebook account.

• Christopher Coleman's father, the Rev. Ronald Coleman, told an investigator that Lintz was a "good friend" of Sheri Coleman.

• When investigators first contacted Lintz, she was already aware of the homicides, which were widely publicized. She told police she had spoken to Christopher Coleman the evening of May 4.

Search warrant records were also released Wednesday. Those records showed that detectives found an orange piece of twine with a noose tied on one end near the Jefferson Barracks Bridge that resembled twine used to tie four bales of straw found behind the Colemans' home.

Those warrants also showed that Sheri Coleman was found naked and face down in bed. Rigor mortis, which stiffens a corpse and usually occurs after two or three hours, had set in, the records showed.

He also described messages spray-painted in red paint across the walls. Laced with obscenities, they appear to have been directed at Sheri Coleman and include "punished" in the downstairs dining room, "whore paid" or "u have paid" in an upstairs room and "I saw you leave, (expletive) you, I am always watching" in the kitchen.

Coleman told Columbia police that he had gone to a gym to workout, leaving the house about 5:45 a.m. Before 7 a.m., he called the Columbia police to report that he could not reach his family and ask that they check in on them.

Christopher Coleman resigned from his security job after consultation with a Joyce Meyer Ministries official concerning an alleged violation of the religious group's "moral policy."

Mike Cole, an employee of Joyce Meyer Ministries, in April "provided a list of names as well as photos of people that have threatened Coleman and other Joyce Meyer Ministries employees and who Coleman stated he believed could be responsible for the threats" the Coleman family had received.

Maj. Jeff Connor of the Granite City Police Department, commander of the Major Case Squad assigned to the Coleman family homicides, said Friday he would not comment on evidence.

http://www.bnd.com/372/story/788300.html

[packy]

http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/06/10/illinois.murder.trial/index.html

WATERLOO, Illinois (CNN) -- A southwestern Illinois man accused of strangling his wife and two young sons did not ask how his family was killed or see their bodies after he learned of the deaths, a police official said at a preliminary hearing Wednesday.


Christopher Coleman has pleaded not guilty and is being held without bond.

Christopher Coleman, 32, is charged with three counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Garett, 11, Gavin, 9, and his wife, Sheri Coleman, 31.

The victims were strangled in their beds last month.

A handwriting expert testified at the Monroe County courthouse that profanity-laced messages scrawled in red spray paint throughout the house match Coleman's handwriting, Edwards said. Spray-painted messages were also found on Gavin's bed sheets, he said.

Threatening letters left in the family's mailbox and an e-mail allegedly sent to Coleman before the killings were traced back to the suspect's laptop, he said. The letters had no envelopes and no postage, according to Edwards

The police chief testified that when Coleman was escorted to an ambulance after the bodies were discovered, a police chaplain noticed an abrasion on his right arm.

Coleman then repeatedly punched the gurney with the arm, Edwards said, adding that when the suspect's father asked him about the abrasion, he said it was from punching the gurney. (More at link)

[sunstar]

I watched Nancy Grace's show tonight and they said the spray painted messages on Gavin's bed contained obscene language. She also talked about emails that CC sent the girlfriend, which contained nude pictures of him. Sheri's cousin, Enrico, was also on the show talking about being in court today and CC showing absolutely no emotion during any of the proceedings, and didn't even look at Sheri's family. :madranting94dp: MOO

[sunstar]

Coroner: Colemans died of strangulation

07/09/2009

UPDATED 11:11 a.m. with Christopher Coleman lawyer's comments

WATERLOO -- A Monroe County Coroner's inquest determined that the Coleman family members each died of ligature strangulation.

Julie Gummersheimer told a coroner's jury that all three victims had no drugs in their bodies when murdered.

She testified today before a coroner's jury about details of the deaths of Sheri Coleman and her two sons.

The inquest is open to the public and began at 10 a.m. in a Monroe County courtroom.

One law enforcement witness is scheduled to testify, according to the Monroe County coroner.

Police say Sheri, 31, Garett, 11, and Gavin, 9, were strangled in their beds at home in Columbia, Ill. The bodies were found May 5. Christopher Coleman, the husband and father, claimed they had been alive when he left for a morning workout less than an hour and a half before.

Police say a forensic pathologist consulted on the case and said the bodies were dead before Chris Coleman left the home.

The affixture of a time of death is tricky among medical experts. Some say it's possible to discern a range between the time a person died, while others disagree.

Chris Coleman is charged with three counts of first degree murder. He is currently jailed in Monroe County awaiting trial, which is expected some time next year.

The inquest has no bearing on the criminal case. It's a common but not mandatory hearing in which a jury classifies the manner of death as natural, accident, homicide, suicide or undetermined.

Art Margulis, a defense attorney representing Chris Coleman, was at the inquest today.

He said his client is "doing fine."

Margulis said he is considering a motion to move the trial away from Monroe County. But, he said, the media attention in the case is national, meaning people all over Illinois have heard about the case.

"I'm not sure where we can go," Margulis said.

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/laworder/story/E95F69746E3AE810862575EF00189914?OpenDocument

[sunstar]

Coroner's jury in Coleman's deaths: Five minutes to decide they were murders


It took a Monore County coroner's jury about five minutes Friday to determine that the deaths of Sheri Coleman and her two sons were homicides by ligature strangulation.

Christopher Coleman, Sheri Coleman's husband and the boys' father, is charged with all three murders.

"The details of the case are disturbing, clearly," said Coleman's lawyer, Art Margulis, who attended the coroner's inquest. "As anyone would imagine, they are disturbing."


After the sort hearing, Margulis said he is considering asking that the case be moved out of the metro-east because of publicity surrounding it and a wrongful death civil lawsuit filed by Sheri Coleman's family.

"Well, we could do without (the publicity) because it does impact the criminal case," Margulis said.

Columbia Police Chief Joe Edwards was the only witness during the 10-minute hearing called by Monroe County Coroner Julie Gummersheimer to determine the cause and manner of death for Sheri Coleman, 31, Garett Coleman, 11 and Gavin Coleman, 9.

Edwards told the six jurors and one alternate that Detective Justin Barlow received a call on his cell phone at 6:50 a.m. May 5 from his neighbor Christopher Coleman asking him to check on Coleman's wife and children. Coleman said he was calling from Gold's Gym in south St. Louis County, and that he was concerned because his family wasn't answering the phone. Months earlier, Barlow had investigated Coleman's complaint involving letters threatening his family.

After receiving Coleman's call, Barlow got up, got dressed, then called Columbia police dispatcher for an additional officer. Sgt. Jason Donjon arrived and went to the back of the house, located at 2845 Robert Drive, and discovered an open basement window. Barlow and Donjon entered the home through the window, Edwards testified.

The two went up the basement steps and discovered a spray-painted message on the kitchen wall that Edwards described as "obscene and vulgar."

Christopher Coleman, who at the time was a bodyguard for televangelist Joyce Meyer, arrived at the home at the same time as Patrolman Steve Patton, who also responded to Barlow's request for assistance. They told Coleman was told to wait outside.

Barlow discovered Garett Coleman's body in his bed, Edwards said. He checked and could not find a pulse. He noticed a ligature mark on the boy's neck and that the body was "cold and stiff," Edwards said.

Donjon found Sheri's body, which was "locked and rigid," Edwards said. There were also ligature marks on her neck.

Patton found Gavin's body in his bed. He also had ligature marks on his neck, but Patton didn't touch the body because he believed there was "evidence on the body," Edwards said.

"A disturbing message was sprayed on the sheet that covered him," Edwards said.

The officers told Coleman about his family's deaths and they put him into an ambulance, then radioed Edwards, who came to the house.

Forensic pathologist Raj Nanduri conducted the autopsies

more at http://www.bnd.com/news/crime/story/841063.html


Too bad CC didn't bother to look up how time of death is determined. Obviously the bodies wouldn't be in this condition within an hour or so after death, especially inside a house in bed. MOO

[sunstar]

Coleman text message to girlfriend is revealed

07/16/2009

WATERLOO — New search warrants filed today in the Monroe County courthouse revealed that Tara Lintz, Chris Coleman's girlfriend, received text messages from Coleman on the day of his wife and sons' funeral May 9.

In addition, the documents state that the latex glove found lying on the side of Interstate 255 near the Jefferson Barracks Bridge had remnants of red spray paint. Police say they saw obscene messages spray painted in red on the walls of the Columbia, Ill., home where the family was slain May 5. In the upstairs bedrooms, Coleman's wife, Sheri, 31, and sons Garett, 11, and Gavin, 9, were found strangled.

Investigators went to Coleman's place of employment, at Joyce Meyer Ministries, and found a box of gloves similar to the one found on the side of the highway, the documents say. The box of gloves was found in the security manager's office of the ministries. Coleman was Joyce Meyer's chief of security.

The text messages were sent to Lintz's mother's phone, which Tara Lintz was using because her phone had already been taken by police.

"In the text messages, Christopher told her he missed her and loved her," the documents state.

Lintz told investigators she hasn't had contact with Coleman since May 9, the documents state.

But invesigators say they can't verify that story because Lintz says she lost her mother's cell phone while at Busch Gardens in Florida on June 3.

more at http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/illinoisnews/story/C9B9DAA1B15F1366862575F5007A36C7?OpenDocument#tp_n ewCommentAnchor

[sunstar]

Documents in Coleman case to be turned over to lawyers

More than 400 pages of Joyce Meyer Ministries documents filed in a wrongful death lawsuit against former employee Christopher Coleman will be released Thursday to plaintiff's lawyers, but not to the public.

The documents were at the Monroe County Circuit Clerk's office Tuesday being copied. They will be placed under seal until 2 p.m. Thursday, when they are set to be released to Jack Carey, the attorney who represents murder victim Sheri Coleman's mother and brother in the wrongful death lawsuit filed against Christopher Coleman.

"Discovery is no longer filed with the court," Carey explained Tuesday. "The court files just became too voluminous to handle all those documents. The documents are only entered into the court record if there's a dispute."


Carey and Enrico Mirabelli, Sheri Coleman's cousin and Carey's co-counsel, said Monday they would not have a "wholesale distribution" of the documents.

Coleman, the former personal bodyguard of televangelist Joyce Meyer, faces three counts of first-degree murder in the ligature strangulations of his 31-year-old wife and their sons, Gavin, 9, and Garrett, 11. They were found dead May 5 in their beds at their Columbia home.

Joyce Meyer Ministries was named as a "respondent in discovery" which means the ministry isn't a party to the lawsuit, but must provide the information Carey and Mirabelli need to investigate their claim against Coleman.

more at http://www.bnd.com/breaking_news/story/852884.html

[Musterion]

Posted on Wed, Aug. 19, 2009
Wharton assigned to be the judge in the Coleman murder case
BY GEORGE PAWLACZYK
News-Democrat

"A new judge has been appointed to replace St. Clair County Chief Circuit Judge John Baricevic in the case against Christopher Coleman, who is accused of strangling his wife and two young sons in their Columbia home.

Circuit Judge Milton Wharton, who is death-penalty certified, will travel from Belleville to Monroe County to hear the case against the 32-year-old former bodyguard for renowned evangelist Joyce Meyer.

Kris Reitz, the Monroe County prosecutor, filed papers Friday indicating that he will seek the death penalty for Coleman because of the number of his alleged victims, the brutality of the crime and evidence that Coleman had planned the killings for months.

Baricevic could not hear the case because he is not certified to preside over death-penalty cases.

Sheri Coleman, 31, and Garett, 11, and Gavin, 9 were found in their bedrooms in their home on Robert Drive on May 5 just before 7 a.m. Christopher Coleman alerted police that he could not reach his wife on the telephone and thought something might have happened.

Information revealed through search warrant applications that became public after the News-Democrat intervened in court show that Coleman planned to marry his girlfriend, Tara Lintz of St. Petersburg, Fla., who was a a friend of Sheri Coleman's when both lived in Florida. The search warrant documents also showed that on the day of the funeral in Chester for the victims, Coleman left text messages for Lintz stating that he loved her.

The next court action in the case is a status hearing set for Aug. 26."

http://www.bnd.com/372/story/888747.html

IMO.
M.

[packy]

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/illinoisnews/story/3DA923ADF7492BB2862576BF007420F6?OpenDocument

Joyce Meyer Ministries wants to limit employee contact with Sheri Coleman's lawyers
By Nicholas J.C. Pistor
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
02/03/2010

COLUMBIA, Ill. - Joyce Meyer Ministries has asked a judge to restrict opposing lawyers from contacting its employees.

The request came one day after Jack Carey, a Belleville lawyer, filed in open court a former ministry employee’s revealing statement to detectives investigating the murder of Sheri Coleman and her two boys. Carey has sued Christopher Coleman, the ministry’s former security chief awaiting trial for the triple murder, for wrongful death and is seeking to add the ministry as a defendant.

"On more than one occasion plaintiffs’ counsel has contacted the employees of JMM without notice to JMM’s counsel. JMM’s counsel advised plaintiffs’ counsel to desist from communicating with JMM employees," wrote Mike King, a lawyer for Joyce Meyer Ministries, in a motion filed in Monroe County Circuit Court on Tuesday.

(More at link)

[KittyMom]

Latest Coleman revelation: He admitted to affair with wife's 'good friend'

Monday, Jun. 01, 2009


The records reveal the following:

• During an interview with homicide investigators from the St. Petersburg Police Department, Lintz admitted having a sexual relationship with Christopher Coleman, 32, since November. Lintz said Coleman planned to divorce Sheri Coleman by June 14.

The relationship started several weeks after Sheri Coleman signed off the family's deed to their $230,000 home at 2854 Robert Drive in Columbia on Oct. 6.


http://www.bnd.com/372/story/788300.html

*respectfully snipped

It would appear that CC put a dollar amount on the lives of his wife and children. Given this action, I believe that Shari's family should go after every dime they can. He doesn't deserve the right to defend himself with money covered in the blood of his family. Let his daddy pay for his defense.

[KittyMom]

I'm really surprised by the actions of JMM. I would think they would be willing to help this family in any way possible.

[KittyMom]

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/laworder/story/A3D085CCFE439B29862576CD000DE89C?OpenDocument

Sheri Coleman's family drops attempt to sue Joyce Meyer Ministries

The worldwide ministry, based in Jefferson County, has said it knew only that Coleman was having marital problems. Search warrants indicate the Columbia police were aware of electronic messages sent to Coleman's work e-mail long before the killings. It's unclear what information the early police investigation revealed.

Police have suggested that Christopher Coleman may have killed his family to escape his marriage without sacrificing his job to a no-divorce policy. The ministry has said there is no such policy.

The papers filed Tuesday also would drop Christopher Coleman's father, the Rev. Ron Coleman, of Chester, Ill., as a respondent in the case.

Under the motion, Carey would not give up his right to pursue future litigation against the ministry.