Jonathan Bates: Georgia fugitive accused of wife's 2017 murder finally apprehended after 1.5 years on the run

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

PAULDING COUNTY: Jonathan Bates, a Georgia man accused of murdering his wife in 2017, was apprehended by authorities on Tuesday, April 16, after evading capture for a year and a half.

Jonathan, 44, had been on the run since failing to appear for a court hearing related to the murder charges in the fall of 2022, according to reports. 

Insights into Cynde 'Cynde' Bates tragic murder

The altercation between Jonathan and Cynthia 'Cynde' Bates reportedly occurred in 2017, during which Jonathan claimed he pushed his wife away, leading to her hitting her head on a couch. Their two young children, aged 4 and 7 at the time, were witnesses to the incident and sought help from neighbors afterward, per Fox.

Cynde passed away the following day in the hospital, with an autopsy revealing blunt-force trauma to the back of her head as the cause of death.

The rollercoaster journey of Jonathan Bates' charges

Initially facing charges of murder, battery, and cruelty to children, Jonathan had some charges dismissed by Paulding County Chief Judge Tony Beavers, sparking outrage and calls for his removal from the bench.

The unforeseen ruling stirred fury among Cynde’s relatives, prompting an online petition demanding Beavers’ dismissal from his judicial position, amassing over 11,600 signatures.

However, a grand jury later indicted Jonathan on a murder charge, indicating a renewed pursuit of justice for Cynde and her grieving family. "Her kids are lost without her," said Cynde's sister, Sandy Dement. "Her family is lost without her. We don’t get to talk to her anymore."

Dement said her sister “was a good mother" and “a good wife.” “She was good at everything. And he just took advantage of her." A GoFundMe page established in memory of Cynde described her as a "beautiful soul" known for her kindness and willingness to help others in need, underscoring the impact of her tragic passing on the community. Jonathan remains in custody without bond.