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Monday, August 24, 2026 at 9:02 AM

Mathis Trial Set to Begin in Near Future

Pre-Trial Hearings Continue

Shaking Mathis returned to court Monday for another pre-trial hearing, and following his attorney's motion to continue his case, Judge Heidi Benson denied the motion, noting that two years has passed since the 40-year-old Macomb man allegedly shot two Macomb police officers while they were attempting to serve a warrant. Benson set a final pre-trial for Aug. 19, with the expectation that the trial could possibly be held later this month.

Mathis has pleaded not guilty for the four counts of aggravated battery to a police officer, one count of aggravated discharge of a firearm and possession of a firearm by a felon, and requested a jury trial.

The charges stem from a Sept. 4, 2024 incident in which he purportedly shot former Macomb Police Department Det. Nick Severs (now with the Illinois State Police) and MPD Sgt. J.P. McLaughlin who were trying to serve a search warrant in connection with a reported sexual assault that same day. Following extensive negotiations and a 20-hour standoff with law enforcement, Mathis, of 309 N. Normal St., surrendered peacefully and was taken into custody around 2:30 p.m. Sept. 5.

In addition, Mathis was arrested in February 2026 on two counts of sexual assault by force stemming from Sept.

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