Deputies with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Arrest La Pine Man Suspected in Mother’s Homicide
By Mindy McKerrall on Wednesday, March 4th, 2026 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories
LA PINE (Released from Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office)-On March 2, 2026, at 2:03 a.m., deputies with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office arrested a La Pine man who reported involvement in the homicide of his mother at their shared residence on Woodstock Drive in La Pine.
Deputies first responded to suspicious circumstances at Gordy’s Truck Stop in La Pine. That’s where deputies contacted 25-year-old Gavaughn Bates, who was determined to be the suspect in the homicide of his mother.
Deputies then responded to the residence and found a deceased female identified as 56-year-old ErmaJean McGillicuddy of La Pine. They also learned that two juveniles were present during the incident and witnessed part of the altercation leading up to the homicide. The juveniles were safely removed from the residence and connected with support services.
Detectives with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office are now leading the investigation. 25-year-old Gavaughn Bates of La Pine was arrested and lodged at the Deschutes County Adult Jail on the following charges:
- Murder
- Assault I (Aggravated)
- Strangulation – Assault Witnessed by a Child
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.
