COLUMBIA, IL (KTVI - FOX2now.com)—
Drama outside the Monroe County Courthouse when accused killer Christopher Coleman showed up for his first court appearance. Coleman is charged with strangling his wife and their two sons ages 11 and 9 in Columbia. About 30 people gathered outside the courthouse yelling words like murderer and baby killer at Coleman.The bodies of Sheri Coleman and her two boys Garret and Gavin were discovered inside their Columbia home May 5th. Coleman was arrested last night at his parents home in Chester Illinois last night.
He entered not guilty pleas on all 3 murder charges. His attorney told reporters Coleman maintains he's is innocent. He may seek a change of venue for the trial.
Coleman is being held without bond. He's due back in court June 10th at ten in the morning for a preliminary hearing.
Chris Coleman worked as a security guard for the Joyce Meyers Ministries in Fenton.
It released this statement Wednesday morning:
"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."
The Fox Files has been uncovering details about the Coleman murder investigation leading up to Tuesday night's arrest.
We learned Major Case Squad investigators have been checking spray paint sales. Investigators visited the Wal Mart on Telegraph Road where employees say Detectives took red spray paint samples and requested surveillance video.
A Hardware store in Columbia also reports Police asking questions about spray paint sales as well as sales of rubber gloves. A source close to the investigation told the Fox Files that someone spray painted a message on the wall inside the Sheri and Chris Coleman's house that said something like "I told you so."
This source also confirms investigators found a latex glove in the area they were searching off I-255. He says they found the glove just before the Major Case Squad asked Chris Coleman to give a second set of fingerprints.
In the neighborhood where the Coleman's lived, a sense of shock as well as relief.
Relief seemed to be how some residents in the Columiba Lakes neighborhood felt on Wednesday after learning about the arrest of Christopher Coleman.
At the same time there are so many who are still in disbelief over the murder charges that include the accusation Coleman strangled his wife and two young sons.
My nephews are the same age so I can't imagine what those boys must of felt," said Sarah Jones, neighbor.
"It's just been a really big loss," said another neighbor.
Speculation swirled around Christopher Coleman for days. Now that he's been arrested the wondering is over for some.
"Maybe we can put this behind us and just pray for the family," said Mandy Rogers, neighbor.
Columbia's mayor knows this tragedy had taken a toll but now hopes the arrest will ease some concerns.
"I'm hoping this will help people sleep a little better at night," said Mayor Kevin Hutchinson.
The big question that's still unanswered for neighbors is why Sheri, Garett and Gavin were killed.
"It's sad, really sad," said Rogers.
Others fear a trial will bring out details too painful for friends of the Colemans to hear.
"It's going to be tough for everybody," said a friend of the family.
"We're a very strong faith-based community and I think god is looking over us and we'll get through this," said Hutchinson.
Some neighbors say it's now time to on with their lives even if they might never understand why these murders occurred.
