LA PINE, Ore. (Mar. 3, 2026) — A 25-year-old La Pine man was arrested early Monday after deputies say he reported his involvement in the killing of his mother at their shared home.
Deputies with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office responded at about 2:03 a.m. March 2 to a report of suspicious circumstances at Gordy’s Truck Stop in La Pine. There, they contacted Gavaughn Bates, 25, who was determined to be a suspect in the homicide of his mother, authorities said.
Deputies then went to a residence on Woodstock Drive, where they found a deceased woman identified as 56-year-old ErmaJean McGillicuddy of La Pine.
Investigators learned that two juveniles were present during the incident and witnessed part of the altercation leading up to the homicide. The children were safely removed from the home and connected with support services, officials said.
Detectives with the sheriff’s office are leading the investigation. Bates was arrested and lodged at the Deschutes County Adult Jail on charges of murder, first-degree assault (aggravated), and strangulation — assault witnessed by a child.
Authorities said there is no ongoing threat to the community. The case remains under investigation and has been referred to the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office.
All suspects are believed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law
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