Live-in girlfriend charged with murder after Gerald Bates found unresponsive during welfare check

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

JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI: A woman in Mississippi was charged after police discovered a deceased firefighter inside a residence.

It was notable that Gerald Buster Bates, the victim, resided with his girlfriend, Tammie Williams, aged 41, in a cohabiting relationship.

During a welfare check, police reportedly found an aggressive dog that had been killed inside the home along with the deceased firefighter.

Jackson Police Department found ‘unresponsive’ Gerald Bates inside home

On Sunday, the Jackson Police Department received a call regarding an unresponsive individual at a residence on Ferguson Drive. 

According to Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade, Tammie Williams, aged 48, barricaded herself inside the home following the alleged shooting of veteran firefighter Gerald "Buster" Bates.

Various law enforcement agencies, including Capitol Police, the Hinds County Sheriff's Office, and the Byram Police Department, responded to assist the JPD at the scene.

Despite officers' efforts to negotiate with Williams for over an hour, she remained uncooperative and armed inside the residence.

Wade stated that SWAT was alerted and deployed tear gas before forcibly entering the home and apprehending Williams.

Bates also served at the Byram Fire Department, as reported by WAPT.

Tammie Willaims’ request for bail was denied

After the tragic incident, Tammie Williams was denied bail during municipal court on Monday, April 8, 2024.

The judge considered her an imminent threat to the community after her involvement in a prolonged standoff with multiple law enforcement agencies on Sunday.

Williams is accused of fatally shooting veteran Jackson firefighter Gerald "Buster" Bates, as per WAPT.

What did Gerald Bates’ daughter report?

Police stated that Williams and Bates lived together at the residence. Gerrica Bates, the victim's daughter, recounted that the couple's ten-year relationship was marked by violence, with Williams frequently threatening her father's life.

"She told me on several occasions that she was going to hurt my dad. She was not going down without a fight, and she told the truth. She did exactly what she said she was going to do," Gerrica Bates stated. "He put her over us. That's how much he loved her. Yes, and this is what she did."

During Monday's hearing, a judge denied bail for Williams, citing her as a significant threat to the community due to her refusal to surrender when confronted by police on Sunday.

"He did not deserve that. He did not deserve that at all," Gerrica Bates expressed.

The Bates family disclosed that he had fought tirelessly to pursue a career as a firefighter. Now, they are determined to seek justice for him.