LA PINE, Ore. — A La Pine man was arrested early Monday morning, suspected of killing his mother at their home, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office said. Two juveniles allegedly witnessed part of the incident.
The suspect, 25-year-old Gavaughn Bates, was arrested on suspicion of murder, aggravated assault and strangulation witnessed by a child, DCSO public information officer Jason Carr said. No formal charges in the case had been filed as of Tuesday afternoon.
Deputies first responded to what Carr said was “suspicious circumstances” at Gordy’s Truck Stop in La Pine. That’s where deputies first contacted Bates and determined he was the suspect in the homicide.
Deputies then went to the home on Woodstock Drive and found ErmaJean McGillicuddy, 56, deceased.
Carr said deputies learned two juveniles witnessed part of the altercation leading up to the homicide. The juveniles were removed and connected with support services.
Bates was booked into the county jail. Carr said there was no ongoing threat to the community and the case is still being investigated.