Jury selection begins Monday for the trial of Shaking Mathis, with Judge Nigel Graham presiding. Nearly 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.
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.
Following jury selection, opening statements will begin by Assistant State's Attorney Susan Maxwell and Mathis' attorney, Michael Gerard of Chicago. Several witnesses, including Severs and McLaughlin, will be called over the course of the trial, according to State’s Attorney Matt Kwacala.
In addition, Mathis was arrested in February 2026 on two counts of sexual assault by force stemming from Sept.
4, 2024. He has also pleaded not guilty to these charges and requested a jury trial. He has remained detained in the McDonough County Jail since September 2024. A separate trial will be held on these charges.
