No bail: Man accused of murdering mother to remain in jail after first court hearing

(Update: Earlier reporting misstated the location of Bates’ residence and the alleged crime; both occurred outside La Pine city limits, in Deschutes County.)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Gavaughn Bates, the 25-year-old Deschutes County man accused of murdering his mother in front of minors, appeared virtually in Deschutes County Circuit Court on Tuesday afternoon for the first hearing in the case.

Bates is charged with four counts in the purported crime, all relating to domestic violence: second-degree murder, unlawful use of a weapon, and two counts of strangulation. One of the strangulation charges stems from the alleged act occurring in the presence of minor children living in the home.

Judge Michelle McIverson ordered Bates remain held without bail in the Deschutes County Jail. The judge also prohibited him from having contact with two minors, identified in court records by initials only, as well as with the residence where the alleged crime occurred.

Court documents also included a correction to the spelling of Bates’ first name, which had previously been listed in filings as “Gavaughan.”

The next hearing for Bates has been set for March 10th, when he is set to be arraigned on the indictment.

We will continue to keep you updated as this story develops.

Earlier Story -- BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)-- A 25-year-old La Pine man was arrested early Monday morning after reporting his involvement in the homicide of his mother at their shared home. Deschutes County sheriff's deputies took Gavaughn Bates into custody following a report of suspicious circumstances at a local truck stop.

Deputies discovered the body of 56-year-old ErmaJean McGillicuddy at a residence on Woodstock Drive in La Pine. Two juveniles were inside the home during the incident and witnessed a portion of the altercation that led to the woman's death.

The investigation began when deputies responded to reports of suspicious circumstances at Gordy's Truck Stop in La Pine at approximately 2:03 a.m. Monday. At the truck stop, deputies contacted Bates and identified him as a suspect in his mother's death. Officials said Bates had reported his involvement in the incident.

After the initial contact at the truck stop, deputies went to the residence on Woodstock Drive and discovered McGillicuddy. The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office has not released specific details regarding the cause of death.

Authorities confirmed that the two juveniles who were present during the altercation were safely removed from the home. The sheriff's office has since connected the children with support services.

Bates was transported to the Deschutes County Adult Jail and lodged on several charges. His charges include murder, aggravated first-degree assault and strangulation – assault witnessed by a child.

The case remains under investigation by detectives with the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office. The matter has been referred to the Deschutes County District Attorney's Office.