Micah Lee Bates Jr., a 31-year-old man from Rock Island, Illinois, died on May 22, 2019.

Bates had a documented criminal history that included charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm, first-degree theft, and tampering with a witness. Those charges arose from an alleged involvement in a drug deal during which he was accused of brandishing a loaded firearm, and prosecutors asserted he tried to pay witnesses not to testify. The Iowa Court of Appeals reviewed aspects of his case in 2015, affirming some charges and reversing others.

The precise circumstances of his death remain unclear and the investigation is ongoing. If anyone knew Micah Bates or has information relevant to what happened on or before May 22, 2019, please share what you know.