Man arrested in Dawson County after two-year run in connection to his wife’s murder

DAWSON COUNTY, Ga. – Jonathan Bates, a Pauling County man that has been wanted for the last two years in connection to his 28-year-old wife’s murder, has been arrested in Dawson County.

On Tuesday, The Dawson County Sheriff’s Office posted his arrested on social media.

“The Dawson County Sheriffs Office Warrant Unit, in conjunction with the US Marshals Service apprehended Jonathan Bates for outstanding bench warrants for Felony Murder X2, Malice Murder, Aggravated Battery FVA, Aggravated Assault FVA X2, Cruelty to Children in the First Degree X2, Cruelty to Children in the Third Degree X2 and Battery FVA,” according to the statement posted.

Bates has been wanted since he failed to show for his court appearance in October 2022 in connection with his wife’s murder.

His wife, Cynthia “Cynde” Bates, was murdered on May 5, 2017, after their two young children, who were home at the time, witnessed them fighting.

The children, ages five and seven, ran to a family friend’s house as things escalated, according to investigators.

Bates’ arrest on Tuesday brings an end to his two-year run evading police.

“This is another great example of the hard work of our law enforcement professionals. We are truly fortunate to have such dedicated, committed members serving our community,” stated Dawson County Sheriff’s Office.