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St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Lee Enterprises

Friday, April 18, 2008 10:31 PM CDT
Depew sentenced to 8 years in prison for fatal shooting

By HERB MEEKER, Staff Writer
hmeeker@jg-tc.com

CHARLESTON — Matthew E. Depew was sentenced Friday to eight years in prison for the fatal shooting of Robert L. Gordon July 7 in Mattoon.

Judge Gary Jacobs agreed the evidence and testimony from witnesses showed Gordon was the aggressor in the confrontation on the night of July 7 in a Mattoon neighborhood and the 26-year-old defendant had a reasonable fear for his life, but Depew took a step toward causing the tragedy when he pulled a semi-automatic gun from a pouch on his motorcycle before even encountering Gordon outside a residence on Shelby Avenue. Depew’s testimony on Friday during the sentencing hearing refuted his previous claim he had pulled out the gun from his pickup truck after encountering an aggressive Gordon that night.

“You really went out of your way to get over to Mr. Gordon,” Judge Jacobs said. “You didn’t have to do that.”

Jacobs said Gordon and Depew were both under court order to avoid contact with each other due to previous incidents. Therefore, Judge Jacobs said, Depew should have avoided contact even if Gordon was violating a court order as well.

“Why didn’t you go into the house and have the police called to have Mr. Gordon arrested?” the judge asked before pronouncing his sentence.

Depew, who has been living in Mattoon since selling his rural Gays home, pleaded guilty in November to a charge of second degree murder, claiming he shot Gordon when it was not justified, but he believed it was at the time it happened. A first-degree muder charge and weapons charge had been dismissed as part of the agreement at that time. Friday’s sentencing also included $3,132 restitution for burial expenses paid to the Gordon family plus additional costs to be paid from the defendant’s bond. Depew will also undergo drug treatment through the Illinois Department of Corrections.

The long dispute between Depew and Gordon centered on a relationship with the same woman, Rachel Askew, who faces a criminal charge for obstructing justice in the shooting investigation.

On the witness stand Friday, Depew claimed he was constantly in fear of his life through Gordon’s threats and acts, including repeated tire slashings, vehicle window smashings and even reports of gunfire aimed at Depew’s rural home in Shelby County.

Depew said he carried a gun for protection against Gordon. He testified Gordon threatened to bash his head moments before the shooting incident last summer. Depew tried to run away, but Gordon pushed or tripped him down to the ground and started to beat on the back on his head.

“I told him I was going to shoot him. I reached over my shoulder and fired one shot,” Depew said.

Gordon then got up, drove away on his motorcycle and later walked into a Mattoon restaurant stating he had been shot, then collapsed. He later died at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center.

In a statement to the court, Depew said he regretted how he and Gordon had “let it go this far” and apologized to the Gordon family, “promising he would lead a law-abiding life.”

Coles County State’s Attorney Steve Ferguson posed questions on Depew’s credibility during cross examination at the sentencing hearing in Coles County Courthouse. He summarized the case as Depew bringing a loaded gun to a fistfight or wrestling match, not a final showdown.

Ferguson pointed out that Depew during police questioning on the night of July 7 falsely claimed Gordon was carrying a knife. He also told police he made a twisting move to shoot while under Gordon, but on Friday Depew explained he pulled the small gun from his pocket and reached over his shoulder to fire the handgun.

His version of how he loaded the handgun was also questioned. Depew said he loaded a round with one hand.

Mattoon Deputy Police Chief Jeff Branson took the stand during the hearing to say it was not possible to tap in the magazine and chamber the round with even a small .25 caliber semi-automatic pistol. Depew later testified only a slight tap of the magazine and tug by two fingers can load a round into the chamber for his gun.

Ferguson also referred to the presentencing report where Depew had claimed he had not used drugs. The prosecutor also cited witnesses claims that Depew had used and sold meth. On Friday, Depew said he had used drugs but prosecution witnesses last week had exaggerated their claims.

Defense attorney Ron Tulin said Gordon was a “jealous man” reacting in violent ways and Depew faced his wrath.

“His love, if he had it, turned to hate,” Tulin said. “I would urge that Matt should be given probation because of the extreme circumstances of this case.”

Judge Jacobs agreed there were mitigating circumstances, but rejected the request for probation only. However, Ferguson had asked for 18 years in prison plus a $10,000 fine. The sentencing range for this Class I Felony is 4-20 years under state law.

DePew was taken into custody at the close of the hearing. Tulin’s request that his client be allowed to remain free on bond for his grandmother’s funeral was denied.

Contact Herb Meeker at hmeeker@jg-tc.com or 238-6869.

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medic57 wrote on Apr 18, 2008 5:40 PM:

" He'll be back on the street in less than 4 years. What a joke. Murder someone, get less than 4 years. "

hanrobec wrote on Apr 18, 2008 5:41 PM:

" I went to school with Bobby and that sentence is not fair. It is amazing that the legal system rewards a murderer with a paltry sentense like 8 years. Bobby was a father and a young man...Depew should either lose his life by injection or a life sentence in a cage. "

Savant wrote on Apr 18, 2008 6:58 PM:

" Is this sentence a mandatory actual 8 years to serve or does good time apply here too? "

bobbie wrote on Apr 18, 2008 7:02 PM:

" Oh well that is better then what I thought he would get. Still not enough, wish Bobby could be back in 8 years. "

ethelb wrote on Apr 18, 2008 8:08 PM:

" I know someone that got 75 yrs for murder and this dude gets 8 yrs...something wrong here...who did he sleep with? "

onlyincolesco wrote on Apr 18, 2008 10:02 PM:

" Guess they are right when they say that if you want to get away with murder move to Coles Co, IL. May Bobby RIP. "

TheAnswer wrote on Apr 18, 2008 10:11 PM:

" TheAnswer wrote on Apr 14, 2008 5:49 PM:

" I'm just guessing here, but I bet he gets less than 8 years. The only reason for that will be that the public will be watching our corrupt courthouse in action. "
/////////////////////////////

Right on the money! "

jrfan wrote on Apr 19, 2008 12:56 AM:

" How can you possibly get only 8 years for murder--- only in coles county!! "

insanewayne wrote on Apr 19, 2008 7:50 AM:

" He had a gun and was waiting to use it.

Maybe it’s just me but that seems premeditated.

This is a fine example of the pathetic legal system in this county.

If he’s getting good time they should have given him 20 years.

He’ll still have plenty of time to kill someone else when he gets out.

Let’s pray this is not the case.
"

gordonsfive wrote on Apr 19, 2008 8:59 AM:

" this wasnt the first time Depew had fired a gun at Bobby.but we didnt hear about that. are fine coles county at work again... but we all know its not what you did its how much money you have and from what i have heard his mom has some money..so somebody got their pocket lined and he getss a lighter sentences.... but thats ok hel will burn in hell when its his time to go..and with a mouth like he has that will probably be while he is in prison...say hi to bubba "

bobbie wrote on Apr 19, 2008 11:14 AM:

" Amen to you gordonsfive, I'll bet Matts daddy is amazed seeing how he was so sure that his little boy would get away with yet another crime. sorry about your bad luck. "

Late Bird wrote on Apr 19, 2008 12:20 PM:

" Oh man, I just don't want to live here anymore. People I know in other states have told me for years how corrupt our system is here, I wish I could move right now, wish we all could move and just leave all the criminals here to take care of each other! After all, Coles County is known for criminals getting away with murder, why not just leave all of them to murder each other? "

tessy wrote on Apr 19, 2008 12:21 PM:

" I think that Depew should of been granted the probation for the end result of this whole thing, is that he did fear for his. "

tessy wrote on Apr 19, 2008 12:27 PM:

" I think that Depew should of been granted the probation for the end result of this whole thing, is that he did fear for his. After all we heard that Gordon continued to shoot at Depew, Rachael and her daughter, his daughter. Who would shoot at his own daughter. Gordon also contiued to put his daughter at risk, by his harrassement again Depew. Who has been wronged here? "

tessy wrote on Apr 19, 2008 12:35 PM:

" I think that Depew should of been granted the probation for the end result of this whole thing, is that he did fear for his life. After all we heard that Gordon continued to shoot at Depew, Rachael and her daughter, his daughter. Who would shoot at his own daughter. Gordon also contiued to put his daughter at risk, by his harrassement against Depew. Who has been wronged here? "

molly wrote on Apr 19, 2008 3:27 PM:

" These comments make me ill. Obviously you are all related to Bobby.How many times did Bobby fire a gun towards Depew and Rachel? Rachel lived in fear of Gordon. Depew had sold his home and was planning on leaving the state to escape crazy Bobby. Bobby would not leave them alone. He literally caused his own death. Depew did what he needed to do at the time. It is a sad situation. Depew is being punished. What quality of life will he have in the future? Depew came from a middle class family, whatever money they have, they worked hard for. Everyone of you would support your child in the same manner they have. "

bobbie wrote on Apr 19, 2008 3:30 PM:

" Gee Late Bird

When this whole thing started you were the one who told me how wrong I was to fell that this guy should go to prision, guess I wasn't wrong after all.

Tessy

How many times are you going to post the same comment, I think we understood you the first tim, and still I doubt anyone agrees with you by these posting. "

bobbie wrote on Apr 19, 2008 3:31 PM:

" However Late Bird I do agree with you on your comment very well put. "

gringa wrote on Apr 19, 2008 3:32 PM:

" I'm sorry, tessy, would you mind repeating that, again? "

cousinrb wrote on Apr 19, 2008 9:15 PM:

" I think that depew should have gotten the probation since he had never been introuble with the law before and mr.Tulin was asking for it when he started beeting up on depew and not letting him up long enough to call the police. Depew gets an 8 year sentence and his grandmother dies unexpectedley on the same day that is just unfair. I am keeping you in my prayers matt and hopefully you won't have to finish out the whole sentence. I love you and take care your cousin RB "

gordonsfive wrote on Apr 20, 2008 1:23 AM:

" well Tessy if you dont know the story other than whats on what you have read then dont comment cause our fine coles county justice only tell what they want you to know how dou you load a gun one handed and flat on your face? and why do you hide the gun if it was self defense? how about the bullets they pulled out of bobbys house and car that depew had fired into them i guess they was self defense too.... you must work for the cole court house case you have no brains either.. find out all the facts before you pass judgement..... i guess they sould have tried him for the drugs he was making and selling he would have got more time out of that.....he will only do three years if he takes a class while in prison.hopefully he has fried to many brain cells to be smart enough to take the class "

Early Bird wrote on Apr 20, 2008 6:38 AM:

" It's amazing that so many of us seem to know more than the judges and the juries in this county. Someone always wants to complain, or has a better idea, and usually they complain either the sentence was too long or too short, or it's the fault of the states attorney. I especially like those claims that Coles county is the most lenient place on earth when it comes to murder. All of this reminds the of the old saying: ignorance is bliss. "

Interested Observer wrote on Apr 20, 2008 7:43 AM:

" The usual Ferguson bashers are out in force, I see. If one read the article carefully, Mr. Ferguson asked for 18 years, when 20 was the absolute *maximum* sentence for the crime; for the arithmetically-challenged among you, that's 90% of the *maximum* sentence possible! Let's not make a saint out of either Mr. Gordon OR Mr. Depew, folks: both were violent individuals and, unfortunately, one of them died as a result of their *mutual*, back-and-forth criminal inability to l-e-a-v-e e-a-c-h o-t-h-e-r a-l-o-n-e! Live by the sword and die by the sword. Too bad that Mr. Depew had to teach Mr. Gordon that lesson. "

bobbie wrote on Apr 20, 2008 9:03 AM:

" the gun was in the truck, the gun was in Depews pocket, the gun was in the motorcycle pouch.Gee this makes since

Depew did not teach Bobby a lesson, he took his life and the law should have taken his.

they were moving to Florida, Bobby has family in Florida, nice choice of states.

Depew is no stranger to the law

early bird-your the ignorant one here if you think justice was served. You take a life you should lose yours, its not self defense here to many lies, to many stories that don't match and why would you not call the police or go to the police for help instead of hiding the gun.The Depew family I'm sure have the police station on speed dial, thats daily practice for them to call the police, it would have taken longer to load the gun then to have pushed the button on the phone for the police station.

"

sara g. wrote on Apr 20, 2008 11:30 AM:

" Makes Me Sick to see the coments of all gordon's family...shows their mentality that its ok to threaten people and put his own child in danger.
Seems to me he lived longer most would have allowed. "

thumbs wrote on Apr 20, 2008 11:57 AM:

" about the Depew case, he got off for murder, that figures in Coles County. I have seen the sign in Florida if you want to get away with murder go to Coles County Illinois. And now they just proved it. So what if Gordon was the aggressor that doesn't mean he had to use excessive force to protect himself. He should have avoided the conflict and things might have ended differently. "

thumbs wrote on Apr 20, 2008 1:01 PM:

" maybe he should have said he was on drugs and then he could have got drug court,followed their rules for a year and his conviction would have been dismissed. "

midwest heart wrote on Apr 20, 2008 3:31 PM:

" Would have never been a death if MPD and St. Atty. had done there jobs for almost 2 year. Wonder how many tires slashed and busted windows, and constant threats they would take? "

Interested Observer wrote on Apr 20, 2008 4:44 PM:

" Once again, many people are missing an extremely relevant fact about this case-- murder charges WERE filed, but it was *second-degree murder*. Homicide (murder) has recognized degrees of seriousness, from intentional, premeditated murder all the way to justifiable homicide, and each has unique elements constituting the particular degree of homicide. Mr. Depew plead guilty to second-degree murder, and Judge Jacobs accepted that plea, meaning that there was a *factual basis* for the plea and gave Mr. Depew 8 years in prison as punishment. Mr. Gordon started the fight that resulted in his death, and Mr. Depew killed him without legal justification, but this is not a case of Mr. Depew waiting in ambush for Mr. Gordon and mudering him in cold blood. Some of you folks need to get a grip on reality. "

Rotty wrote on Apr 20, 2008 4:54 PM:

" Well said, Early Bird & Interested Observer.
Neither one of these two men should be made out to have halos over their heads.
Painting with a broad stroke will never end up painting a pretty picture. "

bobbie wrote on Apr 20, 2008 6:48 PM:

" Oh really early bird, wonder how many people walk around with guns just in case they might have words with someone. "

bobbie wrote on Apr 20, 2008 7:42 PM:

" Sorry my las entry was for interested observer not early bird "

Nicki wrote on Apr 20, 2008 8:31 PM:

" I just read this. It caught my eye because of the sentencing. I didn't know either of these men, nor would I care to. I remember a quite a bit of people getting mad at me for taking the middle of the road in the Patrick Jackson case, the EIU stabbing... He got 25 years, 18 minimum served. This was from the same courtroom, same judge, and the victim survived(not that it makes the crime better). Truth is, as I have said before, pleading guilty is what gets you a shorter sentence, just like with the guy that shot the soldier home on leave...Honestly, as far as the two men shooting at each other, it's just lucky that no innocent bystanders were injured...who takes a gun to a fist fight? The winner...his mom didn't have to bury him. To me any time a mother has to bury a child, we should feel bad for her, and noone more than her...Nicki "

Interested Observer wrote on Apr 21, 2008 1:09 AM:

" There was a history of far more than 'just words' between Mr. Gordon and Mr. Depew, bobbie, and it's disingenuous to pretend that Mr. Depew had no reason to feel as though he should carry a gun; maybe it wasn't a legally-sufficient reason, but there was definitely a reason, and we both know what it was. "

bobbie wrote on Apr 21, 2008 7:03 AM:

" Well interested observer
like the judge said maybe Matt should of removed himself from the situation, but I guess if the county you live in lets this sort of conduct happen and lets people get away with it we will just have more and more crime in our area. Not what I want for my children and grandchildren. "

sara g. wrote on Apr 21, 2008 8:42 AM:

" This is to bobbie. YOU & the rest of your family could move away if you don't like the county. Everyone else would be better off! I know Depew was trying to get away. At Least he was protecting Rachel and the children. "

Tom Andres wrote on Apr 21, 2008 9:30 AM:

" Oh boy, this is gonna hurt, but I'll push on through it somehow. I agree with Early Bird! Some of us (the Gordon and Depew families in particular) don't always understand or agree with 5th Circuit outcomes. That’s because we are untrained in the nuances of law. A few of us are even untrained in the nuances of life itself. In either case, ignorance is no excuse. Regardless of circumstances, when you attack someone (as Gordon did) or kill someone (as Depew did), there are consequences in life, and consequences in court. "

Interested Observer wrote on Apr 21, 2008 10:09 AM:

" Judge Jacobs' observation about Mr. Depew was correct, bobbie, but by the same token, Mr. Gordon could also have chosen to conduct himself differently. Let's not pretend that Mr. Gordon was some pure-as-the-driven-snow individual struck down by a some villain lying in wait for him to pass by. Mr. Gordon attacked Mr. Depew on the day he was shot, or has that *fact* been forgotten? "

bobbie wrote on Apr 21, 2008 10:51 AM:

" sara G.
your the one that said you are sick and I must agree why don't you stay off that page if you can't handle the truth.Everyone has an opinion here some disagree most agree wrong is wrong 8 years for a murder is wrong. "

krusayda wrote on Apr 21, 2008 11:22 AM:

" It is just sad that growm men conduct themselves in such a manner. "

Interested Observer wrote on Apr 21, 2008 1:35 PM:

" Amen, krusayda! Why one or both of these guys weren't locked up after their mutual, numerous violations of orders of protection, etc., is beyond me. If either or both of them had been, this killing might never have occurred (or been delayed, at least). "

sick wrote on Apr 21, 2008 2:28 PM:

" Maybe if the "Ninja Cop" wasn't stopping speeders or the firemen were not eating at Villa this would never have happen. Or maybe if these two guys acted like adults they could have avoided this. This is a tragedy for both side and the ones left behind. This isn't anyone's fault but the two involved. It’s terrible and the people making most of these posts should be ashamed, because all the finger pointing and conspiracy theory’s make me sick! "

thumbs wrote on Apr 21, 2008 2:44 PM:

" apparently neither one of them were angels and maybe the court system failed to do their job, but that's no reason to take the law into your own hands and do what he did. And it's sad our judicial system allowed him to get away with it. "

hanrobec wrote on Apr 21, 2008 3:07 PM:

" Molly: I am not related to Bobby, but I went to school with him and he did some work for us and he did not deserve what that low-life did to him. Murder bad. Turning the other cheek--good! "

sick wrote on Apr 21, 2008 3:22 PM:

" Depew didn't get away with it, he WAS FOUND GUILTY! Now I can't say I agree with the sentence either but he didn't get away with anything. I guess everyone missed that part. It think it is to bad he will be back on the streets in 4-5 years and I would love to see more truth in sentencing across the board. I wish I could go to the gas pump and pay half of the cost but we have to pay the price on the sign. I agree that the legal system is a mess, backlogged and overcrowded. I would like to see more prisons, and criminals spending their whole sentence behind bars, but like all of you I don't want to see my taxes go any higher. Not sure what the answer is. "

mattoon22 wrote on Apr 21, 2008 4:26 PM:

" Okay so i was there for the entire sentencing hearing...listened to ALL the testimonies and evidence...and I must say that I believe the sentence was fair. This is a very sad case of drug use and lack of involvement by the local police departments. I personally do not know anything about meth...not how it looks..how its made...how you use it..etc. What I do know is that there were many people in that courtroom who's lives were ruined by meth...including Matt and Bobby. Im sure this went farther than most rivals because of the drug involvement. I found myself feeling sorry for matt as I sat there because I do believe he is a victim of the meth epidemic in coles county. Yes you can make the choice to try a drug but once you are addicted its tough to get off it Im sure. I am sure that it was going to be either Matt or Bobby that lost their life due to this ongoing feud...a coin toss really. It is sad that Bobby is gone forever and that Matt is locked up...this should have never happened but as we know...it does happen. "

thumbs wrote on Apr 21, 2008 7:18 PM:

" one life ended and the other one will pay the price,what little it is. So i guess it's coles county's fault that this happened,but they both chose to do what they did, but one took it too far. "

jrfan wrote on Apr 21, 2008 11:55 PM:

" It seems like most serious crimes are committed by repeat offenders, this is the reason he should be locked up for life. Being locked up for 8 years will not make him a nicer person, it will do the opposite. I don't think anyone who lives in coles county wants that walking around. "

Early Bird wrote on Apr 22, 2008 5:02 AM:

" Hey Tom, I hope you're recovering from all the pain you went through by agreeing with me. Stick around, maybe there is hope for you. Now, if we could just get you to stay away from Fox news and Rush Limbaugh..... "

Tom Andres wrote on Apr 22, 2008 8:35 AM:

" Early Bird, I think I'm still smarting. LOL. Maybe I should tune into MSNBC or CNN or PBS or NPR to get a status report on how BAD America really is today. Then I could write a check to HRC or BHO, you know, just to let them know I agree that we have absolutely nothing to be proud of in our used-to-be-great nation. // On Rush Limbaugh, America's conservative icon, next time you listen to him, count all the pro-American statements he makes in his 3-hour show. And, go ahead, count the anti-American statements he makes. I have no idea what the first number will be (other than 'large', but, if you're honest, the second number will be zero. (Criticizing Democrats and far left ideals don't count as 'anti-American'.) Let me know how your conversion goes. Remember, it's a process, but you'll make it. It'll be kind of like pealing an onion. Be prepared to wipe your eyes a lot as you peel off those layers of leftist propaganda from your brain to find the truth and joy of conservatism. "

tessy wrote on Apr 22, 2008 9:07 AM:

" Well, Gordonsfive,
I know more of the story than whats read and obvisiously you can only see the one side. Bobby was a threat to Depew, Rachael and his daughter, who he continuely did things to put them in danger. I also saw what Bobby's mother did in the courtroom when it was over. She tried to knock Mrs. Depew down, while she was crying. What kind a person is she? Very rude and hateful. Gee do you think maybe that was why Bobby was the way he was?
No I do not work for Mattoon on anything, but I do know that his sister dates a Mattoon cop. Wonder how much of that had to do with the MPD not following out the calls from Depew when he was being shot at or Rachael was being ran over or even maybe a bomb placed on Depew's property?
Seems like if the cops were doing their job of arresting Bobby when he was always chasing after Depew, this might of not happened. "

citizenofmattoon wrote on Apr 22, 2008 10:05 AM:

" tessy
It sounds like to me, that you really don't KNOW as much as you would like people to think.
If you KNOW so much, why don't you spill the beans and quit trying to sound important. Tell us what you KNOW if you really do KNOW do much...

Or are you just BLOWING HOT AIR... "

bobbie wrote on Apr 22, 2008 10:17 AM:

" Gee, wonder was Mrs.Depew walking with or without her cane. "

Nicki wrote on Apr 22, 2008 11:08 AM:

" I feel sorry for the kid in all this. Since this is all she knows in life, how messed up is she going to be when she becomes an adult? Crazy cycle...(as I hold my kids even closer...) "

racerchick wrote on Apr 22, 2008 11:56 AM:

" It appears to me that both of these people were at fault and the law enforcement agencies should have been doing their jobs a little better; however, you people make this sound like it was inevitable and you are wanting to blame one over the other, it sounds to me like it was not one more than the other. With that said, murdering someone is worth more than 8 years, I don't care how you spin it. "

Harry Potter wrote on Apr 22, 2008 2:02 PM:

" It's too bad I don't keep extensive files on my fellow posters, because I swear I remember Tom denying he ever listened to Rush Limbaugh... LOL...So what's the deal, Tom, do you? Are you a closet Ditto head? Fess up, it will do you good to cleanse your soul. "

Tom Andres wrote on Apr 22, 2008 3:04 PM:

" Harry, come on now. I've been listening to Rush since 1989 - not every day and, actually, I don't agree with every position he takes. For example, sometimes when he speaks of poor souls with serious mental illness, he is extremely insensitive and just plain stupid. // As to what you THINK you remember about what I posted, I borrow one from your HillGal: I don't recall. There, my soul is clean. "

mindboggle wrote on Apr 22, 2008 4:31 PM:

" Tessy, can you explain why Depew has a 2008 criminal misdemeanor charge pending for Disorderly Conduct? Check out judici.com. "

tessy wrote on Apr 22, 2008 5:06 PM:

" Bottomline going in to call the police would not have done any good. If MPD had been doing their job, Bobbie would of already been in jail on the many outstanding cases they had against him and this would not have happened. "

sara g. wrote on Apr 22, 2008 5:40 PM:

" to Mindboggle: cause RG's mother made a false report. He & another witness testified that they were at their Storage unit. RG mother just wanted to be a jerk. End of Report. "

bobbie wrote on Apr 22, 2008 7:25 PM:

" " to Mindboggle: cause RG's mother made a false report. He & another witness testified that they were at their Storage unit. RG mother just wanted to be a jerk. End of Report. "

Gee Sara G. was you there, I doubt it.
"

Harry Potter wrote on Apr 22, 2008 7:36 PM:

" Now don't you feel better, Tom? And about that your HillGal remark, I have never been a big fan of either of the Clinton's, so perhaps you need to check your extensive files to support that claim. That's OK, forget it, because you right wingers never were much for facts anyway. "

mindboggle wrote on Apr 22, 2008 7:46 PM:

" sarag. ...end of report?, apparently not. Next court date is 4/30/08 for Depew--the charge is still open.

tessy...MPD not doing their job? Enlighten us on the charges that could have kept Gordon in jail. This feud has been going on for how long? From my understanding, the offenses alleged against Gordon are misdemeanors...meaning he could have easily bonded out the same night arrested. "

pj1983 wrote on Apr 22, 2008 8:32 PM:

" why are you all sitting here bickering over whose fault it was? the fact of the matter is that these two low-lifes had an on-going feud. one of them is now dead, the other in jail and a child has lost her father. she's the real victim in all of this. all of the people involved should have GROWN UP. "

tessy wrote on Apr 22, 2008 9:04 PM:

" mindboggle"
There were countless ocassions that MPD never replied to calls made by Depew. And of course those would not be listed in judici.com. If all of those calls had been answered, he would of been jail.
Do you know of all the times that the cops had been called against Gordon? Well I do and it really doesn't matter anymore. And the court date for Depew that is still open, was no more the RG's mother lying about a girl being with Depew at the time. Stirring it up more. Son like mother. He was innocent of that lie also.
It seems that the Gordon family really had it out for Depew. This has been a long long feud.
"

Tom Andres wrote on Apr 22, 2008 10:20 PM:

" HP, my extensive files were destroyed in the earthquake last Friday. Dang! // So you're not a Hill/Bill supporter? Who then, McCain? Wait a minute ... not BHO! "

mindboggle wrote on Apr 22, 2008 10:55 PM:

" tessy, you are still not answering the specifics to the question. What specific offenses did Gordon allegedly commit that would have landed him in jail to the point that the feud would have stopped? It's obvious pleading guilty to 2nd Degree murder did not keep Depew in jail until sentencing. Did Gordon damage property, make threats?, what did he do that the police could have locked him up on without him being able to post bond and go out and continue the offenses? The point I'm trying to make is you can't say the MPD failed to keep Gordon away from Depew. Gordon is responsible for himself as Depew is responsible for himself. "

citizenofmattoon wrote on Apr 23, 2008 7:26 AM:

" You know....tessy!!!! All the disrespectful remarks that you are making about the name Gordon (Bobby, his Mother and whoever Gordon 5 may be), only confirms my thoughts on just what sort of person you really are.
I can honestly say, that I feel a little sympathy for you. Lack of intelligence, respect and compassion for another human being.
Hope someday you find some peace with yourself.
There is nothing that can be done about the past. AND we have to realize, it is in the past.
There are people still here who deserve a little consideration. "

midwest heart wrote on Apr 23, 2008 12:55 PM:

" to citizenofmattoon!!! Is obvious that you & all gordonsfive,& bobbie will only see one side and to this tragic incident. Go ahead & Believe your kin RG was a saint, and never asked for any trouble or never casued any! "

tessy wrote on Apr 23, 2008 1:20 PM:

" I do not have to defend myself to anyone. The things I know to be facts really doesn't matter anymore. The trial is over and I do feel sorry for any mother and family who have lost loved ones.
In this case both Gordon and Depew have lost. Gordon lost his life and Depew will live the rest of his life with the jail record he will hold. That will follow him throughout his working life. "

mattoon22 wrote on Apr 23, 2008 7:24 PM:

" I also would like to know...where did the money for the benefit for RGs "burial" costs go? Im pretty sure some good citizens of Mattoon donated items for that benefit and supporting citizens bought those items....but yet restitution was still paid in this case by MD for "burial" expences. The cost of creamation must be rising like the gas prices. "

sbritt wrote on Apr 24, 2008 12:45 AM:

" I knew all 3 people involved. Bobby was a wonderful person, I had known him since junior high. 4 years for murder is just an incentive for everyone else to go out and shoot someone they dont care for! Matt should have been locked up for life or sent to the gas chamber and Rachel was his accomplice who caused the whole problem from day one. She was just as guilty of murder and should be held equally as responsible. "

bobbie wrote on Apr 24, 2008 4:39 AM:

" It will probably go for the Education of Booby's children. MD should have to pay burial expenses and alot more "

citizenofmattoon wrote on Apr 24, 2008 8:46 AM:

" TODAY...It doesn't really matter whose fault it may have been. It is done and over

All I can say on this whole matter is: It is really too bad that in 8 years, Bobby Gordon won't be able to come back and pick up his life where it left off!!
TODAY...It doesn't really matter whose fault it may have been. It is done and over. "

softail77 wrote on Apr 24, 2008 9:31 PM:

" and still there are too many people thinking you know about the relationship between bob and rachel. first off there wasnt a relationship. rachel DID NOT want to be with bob. "you will be will me for the rest of your life, whether you like it or not" were the words stated. if bob would of excepted the fact that she didnt want to be his girlfriend instead of acting like an animal looking for his prey. rachel, matt, and girls could of moved on with their lives. we all know why bob acted the way he did. his mother showed a perfect example of that in the court room. just for the record the disorderly conduct charge is being dropped. i dont understand why she isnt being arrested for lying. lying to have someone arrested is also a serious crime and so is assult and battery. LIKE MOTHER LIKE SON!!!! "

sbritt wrote on Apr 25, 2008 12:33 AM:

" Who didnt understand the relationship between Bobby and Rachel? I knew both of them the entire time they were together! Bobby and Matt were close friends for a long time before Matt even dated Rachel! Matt was wrong to date his "friends" ex behind his back whom he had children with. Who doesnt know that golden rule? Maybe you are right.. not everyone seems to know the whole story from where it began between Bobby, Matt AND Rachel. Lay off Bobby's mother. Her son was murdered and the guy that did it will be back on the street in 4 years. Did you expect her to invite Matt's family over for a celebration dinner? Heaven help the whole courtroom had my mother and I encountered the family of my brothers murderer! Bobby Gordon was no saint. But that doesnt mean he deserved to die. Regardless, you can stop defending Matt and Rachel now. Rachel got boyfriend #1 out the way, so now she can go on with boyfriend #2 and everyone can return to their happy lala land. Maybe I can get a map how to get there and a plane ticket and join them? Argueing the point doesnt matter. Neither does justifying the blame of a needless murder. "

bobbie wrote on Apr 25, 2008 5:45 AM:

" I am thinking that at one time she wanted to be with him she has or had a baby by him.

As far as for Bobby's mother she is a beatiful person inside and out. She just lost her son not even a year ago, I guess she is suppose to forgive and forget, maybe she to is to consider this self defense on the part of Matt Depew.I DON'T THINK SO. "

bobbie wrote on Apr 25, 2008 5:47 AM:

" They shouldn't but why wouldn't they drop that charge, he is finally in jail like he should have been all long. "

bobbie wrote on Apr 25, 2008 7:36 AM:

" Very well said sbritt "

tessy wrote on Apr 25, 2008 8:51 AM:

" Well said: softail 77
The rest of you are apparently Gordon's family, full of hate and still trying to defend Gordon. It has all been said. "

mattoon22 wrote on Apr 25, 2008 6:04 PM:

" Perhaps they should investigate the disorderly conduct charge further. There is one other witness that was never questioned about that incident. Im sure the truth would be known. "

sbritt wrote on Apr 26, 2008 12:33 AM:

" Just for the record, I am not a member of the Gordon family. It doesnt take an immediate family member of Bobby to know that 4 years in prison is an injustice for the crime ANY murder. FYI...I was pretty good friends with Matt also, back in the day he WAS a pretty great guy. Drug involvement can easily make the best of friends turn rival pretty quickly especially when there is a female fueling the jealousy fire. Had Rachel, Bobby AND Matt done the right thing when ANY child was involved,the ring of drug-hate-jealousy wouldnt have started. Matt did his fair share of instigating the problem all along as well. Its really easy to point out all of Bobby's wrongdoings now that he isnt here to tell his side of the story. You cant exactly go by the police reports to tell his side, Bobby wasnt the type to call the cops everytime he had a problem. The comment about his sister dating a cop being the reason Matt wasnt "protected" from Bobby in a more timely matter? I dont think it even warrants an opinoin, its a ridiculous statement. The fact of the matter is that Bobby didnt deserve to die any more than Matt would have. 4 years in prison is an absurd injustice for murder. Drugs and jealousy over a female that just wasnt worth the trouble is what it comes down to. End of story. "

medic57 wrote on Apr 27, 2008 8:48 AM:

" bobbie wrote on Apr 25, 2008 5:47 AM:

" They shouldn't but why wouldn't they drop that charge, he is finally in jail like he should have been all long. "
----- Bobby should be there with him, both were, and are, idiots. "

bobbie wrote on Apr 27, 2008 5:44 PM:

" Medic that sounds just like something you would say, kina like the earthquake was Bushes fault. "

sara g. wrote on Apr 28, 2008 8:31 AM:

" ms britt...defending police..must be working up there. withholding evidence.
believe i saw some false reports made by BG. heard some testimonies of witnesses saying that the MPD ignored their calls. & yes 8 years is a long time to be locked up when it is self defense. Defending one self and children after countless threats. Would never went this far if MPD had Done Their Job! "

onlooker wrote on Apr 28, 2008 10:21 AM:

" This must be Coles Counties favorite past-time. Criticize the victim and defend the criminal. I do not know either of the people involved in this case. Yet I would never criticize someone who lost their life no matter what the reason. For those of you screaming self-defense, you are the ones who need to stop. You were not there!! Most cases of self-defense do not involve the parties involved not calling police right away and hiding the weapon. All this did was give them enough time to hatch a story together. How foolish we all are to listen to known drug dealers and criminals and believe their word as true. If you believe Matt and Rachael's entire story then you are mistaken. There were many inconsistentcies. Of course they put the blame on Bobby, he is not here to defend himself. How convienent that they were planning on moving away with Bobby's daughter and then he ends up dead. This was not a case of self-defense, if anything both Matt and Bobby brought it on themselves. None deserved to die, but Matt did deserve a harsher prison sentence. Eight year for murder is laughable. The Gordon family has the right to be outraged, if it were a member of my family I would be. There will be a time for Matt and Rachael to take responsibility for what they did,on Judgment Day, and the Good Lord will not be handing over such light sentences! Until then, my condolences go out to the Gordon Family and the biggest victim in this whole ordeal, Bobby and Rachael's daughter!! Think of how she will feel to know one day that her mom's boyfriend killed her dad as her mom watched! Nice future that poor child has in store for her. So enough already, let us stop and let the victims be victims and remember for once who the actual criminals are. No wonder Ferguson does the job he does, look at the comments from the public. You want murderers to get light sentences, drug dealers should be allowed to beat up their girlfriends within an inch of their lives and if a car thief happens to pick-up a friend who is killed in an accident in the process, well no big deal! WHAT IS WITH THIS?!!?!? "

tessy wrote on Apr 28, 2008 10:27 AM:

" Well said sara g.
Earlier it was said that his sister was dating a cop.
That would be his sister is a dispatcher for MPD and she is dating a detective. These two know what went wrong every time. Why would she call a cop out when it was her brother most of the time? You all seem to forget it was self defense against Bobby and the MPD. "

Harry Potter wrote on Apr 28, 2008 7:16 PM:

" Trying to interpret some of the messages on here is painful at times. I have seen better writing skills, spelling and grammar from a ten year old. Normally I don't like to read posts that point out errors, but some of the messages on this thread are so poorly crafted that it's beyond ridiculous. "

Rotty wrote on Apr 28, 2008 9:38 PM:

" onlooker-2 words-Baa Baa "

sbritt wrote on Apr 29, 2008 9:00 PM:

" Wow. Not only am I NOT a member of the Gordon family, but according to Ms. Sara G I am now possibly a cop. I am not on ANY law enforcement agency's payroll. Could you possibly come up with any more ridiculous accusations? I am also not the tooth fairy, Mrs. Clause or an oompa-loompa. I am simply a NON-FAMILY member who DOESN'T work for any law enforcement agency with enough intelligence to realize murder is wrong, and that 4 years is too light of a sentence for MURDER. Before you ask, I also don't work for the Journal Gazette, The New York Times, or The Herald and Review. My apologies to Sara G, I didn't realize Matt Depew had any children to protect, I guess I misunderstood thinking Matt SHOT the childs father. My mistake. Perhaps you could do the community a favor and get a job in child social services(FYI-Before you ask I don't work there either), so perhaps you can explain to Bobby's daughter why Matt shot and killed her Dad. With the accusations you are now using to justify murder, i.e., I work for the cops, I am a member of the Gordon family, Dawn was dating a cop, it is getting a bit out of hand, don't you think? Just so you know and won't have to wonder later, I am using a computer to respond to your blog. I am also not a computer programmer and I do not rebuild typewriters. And yes, murder is still wrong. "

gordonsfive wrote on May 1, 2008 11:12 AM:

" well Tessy sounds like you only know parts and only see on side.the whole problem is METH.. they use to be close friends until the drugs took over them both.. and yes Bobby did shoot at depews house but with a pellet gun...Bobby had no guns or knifes on him at the time he was shot so depew should not have feared for his life.. If the drug laws was stiffer then this shooting would have never taken place. cause they would both been in jail... But they are not so Depew shot and killed a UNARMED man.THAT IS A FACT...IT SHOULD BE LIFE FOR A LIFE....And for you Gordon haters you should know Bobby was an ADOPTED BROTHER OF MINE. he was not a GORDON by blood.. so dont be bashing the GORDON name... I hate the loss of Bobby he left two daughters behind and now they have to grow up with out a dad.. "

tessy wrote on May 3, 2008 5:50 PM:

" WHATEVER? "

medic57 wrote on May 3, 2008 6:00 PM:

" Harry Potter ----- For once, I agree with you. People, learn how to read write and spell. "

Harry Potter wrote on May 4, 2008 9:46 AM:

" Why thank you medic57. I do seem to have my detractors, don't I? LOL "