AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is seeking the public's help in solving the 1983 murder of Charles Alfred Bates, 51, in Balcones Heights, Texas, an enclave of San Antonio. As part of a DPS public awareness program, one unsolved case is featured each month by the Texas Rangers Unsolved Crimes Investigation Team in an effort to generate new investigative leads and bring added attention to unresolved or "cold cases" across the state.
On May 22, 1983, Bates was found stabbed to death inside the Po Folks restaurant at 4250 Fredericksburg Road in Balcones Heights, where he was the general manager, and an undisclosed amount of cash was stolen from the restaurant. Investigators believe Bates was murdered by someone he knew. At the time of his death, Bates had been in the restaurant business for many years and was engaged to be married.
San Antonio Crime Stoppers is offering a reward associated with this case. To be eligible for the cash reward, the tip must be submitted by calling 210-224-STOP (7867) or visiting the San Antonio Crime Stoppers website.
Individuals can also submit a tip through the Texas Rangers' Cold Case website or contact the Missing Persons Clearinghouse at 1-800-346-3243.
The Texas Ranger Unsolved Crimes Investigation Team was created to assist Texas law enforcement agencies investigating unsolved murders or violent serial crimes. Since there is no statute of limitations for the offense of murder, investigators pursue these cases to a successful resolution or until no viable leads remain.
In addition, DPS created the Texas Rangers' Unsolved Homicides webpage aimed at renewing public interest in unsolved crimes cases. The site features more than 75 cases, including the division's Top 12 Unsolved Cold Case Investigations. For more information, visit the Texas Rangers' Cold Case website.
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