Scott Anthony Bates Jr., 39, of Modesto, California, was found shot to death in a vehicle on Imperial Avenue and pronounced dead at the scene on September 3, 2022. Deputies responding to the scene discovered Bates with a gunshot wound; the circumstances were initially unclear and prompted an extensive investigation by the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office.

After several months of investigation, authorities identified and arrested a 16-year-old from Modesto; the teenager was booked into Juvenile Hall on suspicion of homicide. The motive for the shooting remains unknown, and multiple search warrants have been executed as the Sheriff’s Department Major Crimes Unit continues its work.

The community and Bates’ family are seeking answers about what led to this killing and whether others were involved. If anyone has information about Scott Bates Jr., his movements on September 3, 2022, or the events on Imperial Avenue that day, please come forward.