Foxglove's blog: "Bates"

http://www.heraldbanner.com/ and this is why life sucks you can find all of thoose articles there. they had canceled several trials before convicting almost a year later and then they let him go, he doesn't have to serve his jail time, but that is not news werthy they just told us becuase we were Mike's family My uncle was a Loveing Man he was a wonderful person. when I had to explain ... wait umm when my thirteen year old cousin looked at me during his fathers funeral and asked me what premedatated (sp?) was, and I had no choice but to tell him, I had to tell him that his uncle was standing there saying, that this little boy's father knew he was going to die that night and did nothing about it. I don't know if he really believed that man that he was going to come back. My Uncle was severly depressed and had been since he watched his best friend drown to death trying to get a little girls ball out of the water for her, they were drunk, and my uncle blamed himself for not saveing his friends life and that affected his entire life. ok I had to stop for a minute but I'm back umm on my way back home from one of the numerous canceled trials I totaled my mini cooper the first one the purple one. I had to deal with the death of my favorite Uncle, almost a years worth of canceled trials, and then haveing to deal with insurance on that wreck, I get serious when dealing with them, it hurts alot, I miss him so much. That Man would walk barefoot from here to oklahoma carrying his toolbox in hand for a friend in need, he lived like each day was his last, and loved with everything he had. I was fortunate enough that the last thing I said was I love you and goodbye but I didn't know it was forever. That is why I am always encouraging people to spend time with the people they love you never know what day will be the last you can never know when they will be gone

Locke guilty on all counts By BRAD KELLAR Herald-Banner Staff Cory Joe Locke was found guilty by a jury Thursday of murder in connection with the shooting death of Michael Patrick Bates. Locke was also found guilty by the panel of aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon, aggravated kidnapping and burglary of a habitation. He could face a maximum life sentence on each of the counts except the burglary charge, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for 3 p.m. today before 354th District Court Judge Richard A. Beacom. Locke showed no emotion when the verdicts were read Thursday afternoon. He was immediately taken from the courtroom and lead back to the Hunt County Jail. The jury deliberated about three hours before reaching the unanimous decisions on each of the four charges. Bates, 43, died as the result of a shotgun wound to the chest. His body was found early on the morning of June 2, 2005 in a residence at 1959 Apache Road near Quinlan. Locke was one of three suspects charged in connection with Bates’ death, the abduction and robbery at gunpoint of another man prior to the shooting and the stealing of a pool table and other items from Bates’ residence the night before the murder. He had pleaded not guilty to all counts. Dena Waldon and James Paul Russell Jr. have also been indicted on charges of murder, aggravated kidnapping and aggravated robbery in connection with the case. Russell has a trial pending, while Waldon agreed to testify against Locke and Russell in exchange for being allowed to plead guilty only to the aggravated robbery charge and receiving a probated sentence. Donna Jones recalled a favorite memory of her late brother, Michael Patrick Bates, as she testified during the sentencing phase of the man convicted of killing him. Jones remembered a family trip to the Grand Canyon, followed by a visit to a desert in Utah where her Jeep got stuck in the sand. Bates, described as a jack of all trades, rallied the group to find sticks, bottles and anything else he could use to help free the vehicle. “That’s what he did,” Jones said. “He made things work.” Cory Joe Locke was sentenced Friday to 50 years in prison for Bates’ murder. He received 20 years in prison for separate charges of aggravated robbery and aggravated kidnapping involving a second victim and 10 years in prison for burglarizing Bates’ residence. Assistant District Attorney Carol Day-Moss said it was nice to see justice done for Bates and for Bates’ family. “Especially when there was just absolute, senseless violence in this case,” Day-Moss said. Locke, 29, will have to spend at least 25 years in prison before being eligible for parole on the murder charge. Bates, 43, died as the result of a shotgun wound to the chest. His body was found early on the morning of June 2, 2005, in a residence at 1959 Apache Road near Quinlan. Locke was one of three suspects charged in connection with Bates’ death, the abduction and robbery at gunpoint of another man prior to the shooting and the stealing of a pool table and other items from Bates’ residence the night before the murder. Dena Waldon and James Paul Russell Jr. have also been indicted on charges of murder, aggravated kidnapping and aggravated robbery in connection with the case. Russell has a trial pending, while Waldon agreed to testify against Locke and Russell in exchange for being allowed to plead guilty only to the aggravated robbery charge and receiving a probated sentence. Locke was found guilty on all counts by a jury Thursday and chose to have 354th District Court Judge Richard A. Beacom determine his punishment. Locke could have received up to life in prison for the murder, robbery and kidnapping charges and up to 20 years in prison on the burglary conviction. At the start of Friday’s punishment hearing, Assistant District Attorney Keli Aiken asked for the maximum sentence on all counts. “This was an act of senseless violence your honor, several senseless acts,” Aiken said. In addition to Bates’ family members, the prosecution called a detention officer with the Hunt County Sheriff’s Office who described an incident which occurred about a month after Locke was taken into custody, when he attacked both her and another officer in the jail. Defense attorney Royal Mullins called Locke’s mother to the stand, who related how the defendant was on several anti-psychotic medications and who asked the judge to place Locke in a medical institution where he could receive treatment. Mullins also asked the judge to review Locke’s lack of a felony record and to consider how there did not appear to be any intent to commit murder in the case. Rather, Mullins said, Locke intended to “get back” at someone and events got out of hand. “We’re asking the court to punish Cory for what his actions were in these offenses,” Mullins said, also directing much of the blame for Bates’ death at Russell. “Cory was not the leader or the mastermind of some criminal event.” Beacom said his decision regarding Locke was a difficult one personally, as he had known both the defendant and his family for many years. “But my job is not who I know,” Beacom said. “I have to look at the matter objectively.” Beacom said Locke “actively and aggressively” participated in Bates’ murder and the other offenses, which is why he was sentencing Locke to prison.

Testimony begins in Quinlan-area murder case By BRAD KELLAR Herald-Banner Staff Michael Patrick Bates likely died within seconds after someone placed a shotgun to his chest and opened fire, according to the medical examiner who performed Bates’ autopsy. Dr. Townsend Parchmen testified Bates’ heart was “pulpified” as a result of the blast. “This was an utterly fatal injury,” Parchmen said. Parchmen was among the first prosecution witnesses to testify in the 354th District Court Tuesday during the trial of Cory Joe Locke, who is charged with murder in connection with Bates’ death. Locke has also been indicted by the Hunt County grand jury on aggravated kidnapping and aggravated robbery charges, involving incidents which authorities claim occurred the same day as the murder. A conviction on any of the indictments and Locke could be facing a maximum punishment of up to life in prison. Locke has also been indicted in connection with the alleged burglary of Bates’ residence. He has pleaded not guilty to all counts. Bates, 43, died as the result of a gunshot wound to the chest. His body was found early on the morning of June 2, 2005 in a residence at 1959 Apache near Quinlan. Parchmen said the wound was caused by a shotgun firing bird shot and that a “marginal abrasion” was also noticed on Bates’ chest. “That’s what you get when the muzzle of the shotgun was in contact with the body,” Parchmen said. “Within half an inch, in all likelihood.” Locke and two other defendants were also alleged to have abducted a male victim the same day as Bates’ death and Locke is also accused of being one of three individuals to have removed several items from Bates’ residence the night of the murder. The jurors also viewed a video of Locke’s initial interview with Hunt County Sheriff’s Detective Joel Gibson and Texas Ranger Jeff Collins, prior to Locke being formally charged with homicide. During the interview, Locke repeatedly denies having any connection with Bates’ murder, although he admitted to stealing a pool table, television and water cooler from the home and “trashing the place”. Locke said Bates was asleep at the time and that he stole the items because he was mad at the person he believed owned them.

Trials for the remaining suspects in the case are pending. Murder trial begins this week By BRAD KELLAR Herald-Banner Staff Trial is scheduled to begin this week for one of three suspects charged in connection with a Quinlan-area murder in June of last year. Cory Joe Locke is also facing charges of aggravated robbery, aggravated kidnapping and burglary. Jury selection is set for 9 a.m. Monday in the 354th District Court. Locke is the first of three suspects indicted for murder involving the death of Michael Patrick Bates to face trial. Locke has also been indicted by the Hunt County grand jury on the aggravated kidnapping and aggravated robbery charges, involving incidents which authorities claim occurred the same day as the murder. A conviction on any of the indictments and Locke could be facing a maximum punishment of up to life in prison. Locke has also been indicted in connection with the alleged burglary of Bates’ residence. He has pleaded not guilty to all counts. Bates, 43, died as the result of a gunshot wound to the chest. A neighbor was reported to have discovered Bates’ body early on the morning of June 2, 2005 in a residence at 1959 Apache and contacted the Hunt County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators said there had been a party inside the residence the night before Bates’ body was found and a statement issued by the sheriff’s office indicated “several criminal acts had been perpetrated on the victim that same evening by one or more of the suspects prior to the murder”. Locke and two other defendants were also alleged to have abducted a male victim the same day as Bates’ death and Locke is also accused of being one of three individuals to have removed a pool table, a television, a water cooler and a satellite television receiver from Bates’ residence the night of the murder. The prosecution has subpoenaed at least 16 witnesses to testify during the trial.

Jury chosen in Quinlan-area murder case By BRAD KELLAR Herald-Banner Staff GREENVILLE — Opening arguments are scheduled today in a murder trial for a suspect charged in connection with a shooting death near Quinlan last summer. A jury was selected Monday for the trial of Cory Joe Locke, who is also facing charges of aggravated robbery, aggravated kidnapping and burglary. The start of testimony is also expected this morning in the 354th District Court. Locke is the first of three suspects indicted for murder involving the death of Michael Patrick Bates to face trial. Locke has also been indicted by the Hunt County grand jury on the aggravated kidnapping and aggravated robbery charges, involving incidents which authorities claim occurred the same day as the murder. A conviction on any of the indictments and Locke could be facing a maximum punishment of up to life in prison. Locke has also been indicted in connection with the alleged burglary of Bates’ residence. He has pleaded not guilty to all counts. Bates, 43, died as the result of a gunshot wound to the chest. His body was found early on the morning of June 2, 2005 in a residence at 1959 Apache. Locke and two other defendants were also alleged to have abducted a male victim the same day as Bates’ death and Locke is also accused of being one of three individuals to have removed a pool table, a television, a water cooler and a satellite television receiver from Bates’ residence the night of the murder. The prosecution has subpoenaed at least 16 witnesses to testify during the trial.

Defendant calm following shooting death, witness claims By BRAD KELLAR Herald-Banner Staff GREENVILLE — Cory Locke’s former girlfriend said that after shooting Michael Patrick Bates, Locke became “very calm and nonchalant”. Dena Waldon, who also is charged with murder in connection with Bates’ death, testified Locke was “very upset and aggressive” prior to the shooting, but changed moods shortly afterward. “At the time, he did not appear to be remorseful,” Waldon said, as she testified against Locke Wednesday during Locke’s trial in the 354th District Court. Locke is charged with one count of murder in connection with Bates’ death and also is on trial for one count each of aggravated kidnapping and aggravated robbery, involving incidents which authorities claim occurred the same day as the murder. The alleged victim of the kidnapping and robbery also testified against Locke Wednesday. Locke has also been indicted in connection with the alleged burglary of Bates’ residence. He has pleaded not guilty to all counts. Bates, 43, died as the result of a shotgun wound to the chest. His body was found early on the morning of June 2, 2005 in a residence at 1959 Apache Road near Quinlan. Waldon and James Paul Russell Jr. have also been indicted on charges of murder, aggravated kidnapping and aggravated robbery, all of which carry a maximum sentence of life in prison upon conviction. Russell has a trial pending, while Waldon said Wednesday she had agreed to testify against Locke and Russell in exchange for being allowed to plead guilty only to the aggravated robbery charge and receiving a probated sentence. Waldon was dating Locke at the time of the murder. Waldon testified Wednesday she had taken Locke to Bates’ residence and another home in the area earlier in the evening, because Locke was upset with two Hispanic individuals and was searching for them. She said Locke helped steal a pool table and other items from the home and then they returned to Waldon’s residence. Later, Locke insisted that she drive he and Russell, who went by the name Beau, to the same locations again. At the first home, Locke and Russell were said to have taken one of the people inside and held him at the tip of a shotgun while asking the person where were the two individuals Locke was seeking. After the person was unable to tell them, Waldon testified, Locke and Russell discussed whether to kill the person before letting him go. The alleged victim had testified earlier Wednesday that Locke and Russell had beat him repeatedly, threatened to kill him and stole his wallet before allowing him to leave, firing a round from the shotgun as a warning. Waldon said she later drove them back to Bates’ house. While she stayed in the sport utility vehicle, Waldon said Russell held Bates at the end of the shotgun at the front door, as Locke went through the residence again. Locke returned to the doorway and Waldon said he and Russell talked about killing Bates. “He told Beau, ’Just do it man, just do it’,” Waldon testified, adding how at that point, Locke grabbed the shotgun and the weapon fired, hitting Bates in the chest. “It appeared Mr. Russell was still touching it (the shotgun) at the same time,” Waldon said. The pair told Waldon to drive away from the scene and she said she recalled asking Locke later whether Bates had been killed. “His exact words were, ‘Yeah, that was f....d up’,” Waldon said. Defense attorney Royal Mullins chose not to cross examine either Waldon or the alleged victim of the kidnapping and robbery Wednesday.

Murder trial begins this week By BRAD KELLAR Herald-Banner Staff Trial is scheduled to begin this week for one of three suspects charged in connection with a Quinlan-area murder in June of last year. Cory Joe Locke is also facing charges of aggravated robbery, aggravated kidnapping and burglary. Jury selection is set for 9 a.m. Monday in the 354th District Court. Locke is the first of three suspects indicted for murder involving the death of Michael Patrick Bates to face trial. Locke has also been indicted by the Hunt County grand jury on the aggravated kidnapping and aggravated robbery charges, involving incidents which authorities claim occurred the same day as the murder. A conviction on any of the indictments and Locke could be facing a maximum punishment of up to life in prison. Locke has also been indicted in connection with the alleged burglary of Bates’ residence. He has pleaded not guilty to all counts. Bates, 43, died as the result of a gunshot wound to the chest. A neighbor was reported to have discovered Bates’ body early on the morning of June 2, 2005 in a residence at 1959 Apache and contacted the Hunt County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators said there had been a party inside the residence the night before Bates’ body was found and a statement issued by the sheriff’s office indicated “several criminal acts had been perpetrated on the victim that same evening by one or more of the suspects prior to the murder”. Locke and two other defendants were also alleged to have abducted a male victim the same day as Bates’ death and Locke is also accused of being one of three individuals to have removed a pool table, a television, a water cooler and a satellite te levision receiver from Bates’ residence the night of the murder. The prosecution has subpoenaed at least 16 witnesses to testify during the trial.

this is the article that was posted about my Uncle until his family could be notified Man's body discovered in rural area Investigators were still on the scene Thursday evening at a south Hunt County residence where an apparent murder victim was discovered earlier in the day. The victim, only described as a white male, lived at the home near the intersection of Coit and Northshore. Lt. Mike Parker with the Hunt County Sheriff's Office said the investigation in the case was ongoing as of nightfall.