Coles County Man Charged in the Murder of His Mother

Probable cause has been found to hold over for trial a Gays resident charged with the murder of his mother.

31-year-old Douglas R. Reed reportedly admitted to Mattoon city police that he struck his mother several times in the head with a hammer early Friday morning. In court Monday morning, Reed was charged with two counts of murder and a count of obstructing justice. During the Monday appearance, Judge Mitchell Shick found that the offense dictated that Reed should remain in custody.

The incident occurred in Mattoon. Reed then fled the area in his mother's vehicle. He was located in Moultrie County by Mattoon police

Reed is due back in court on February 18 for a preliminary hearing and a status hearing.