Christopher L. Bates, 40, of Crooksville, Ohio, was found dead in the roadway near 11833 Old Rainer Road in Roseville on January 9, 2023. The Perry County Coroner pronounced him deceased at the scene and reported two apparent gunshot wounds; the exact cause of death was pending autopsy at that time. The Perry County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit opened an investigation into the circumstances of his death.

Authorities arrested 25-year-old Joshua D. Bergeron of Crooksville in connection with the case. Bergeron was initially charged with one count of involuntary manslaughter; later grand jury action added two counts of murder and two counts of felonious assault. In July 2023 Bergeron pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and was sentenced to 13 to 15 years in prison. Bates was remembered by family as caring, fond of sharing smiles, a rock collector who often walked around Crooksville and Roseville, and someone who enjoyed travel to states such as Arkansas, Oregon, and Idaho.

Did anyone in Crooksville or Roseville know Christopher or have memories to share about him that could shed more light on the person he was?