Victim:Landis Bates
Location of Incident: 1510 Melrose
Date of Incident: August 18, 2012

On August 18, 2012 at 1:52 am the Springfield Police Department received a call reporting that a shooting had just occurred at the Sandtrap Tavern located at 1510 E Melrose. Officers arrived to find the victim Landis M. Bates, a male black DOB 08/25/89 lying at the northeast corner of Melrose and Foxbridge Road. Landis was transported to Memorial Medical Center where he died from a gunshot wound.

Landis Bates had been at the Sandtrap Tavern to celebrate his girlfriend’s birthday when she got into an argument with three unknown black males in the roadway in front of the tavern. The three males left the area in a burgundy car only to return shortly thereafter and another altercation ensued. During the second altercation one of the black males pulled out a handgun and discharged the weapon in the direction of Landis Bates who was struck by gunshots and he fell to the ground. The three black males were observed running back to the burgundy colored car and it was observed speeding away northbound on 15th Street.

Detectives believe that there were numerous people who witnessed the incident and may have information which would assist in the murder investigation and could ultimately enable the case to be brought forward for prosecution of the suspect(s). Police would appreciate any information pertaining to this homicide which could lead to justice for the victim and his family.

Crime Stoppers is offering $5000 for information which leads to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for the shooting and death of Landis Bates. This is the third “cold case” homicide Crime Stoppers is presenting to the public in hopes of generating leads which will assist investigators in solving homicide case’s and making arrest(s). Crime Stoppers will pay $5000 cash for any information which leads to the arrest of any persons responsible for any past homicides in Sangamon and Menard Counties. Persons with information can leave a tip on the Crime Stopper tipline at 788-8427, on the website at cashfortips.us, or by text by using the keyword TIP672 followed by the tip info which should then be sent to CRIMES (2-7-4-6-3-7). All anonymous information must be submitted to Crime Stoppers before 9/30/16 to be eligible for the enhanced rewards of $5000. After that date, the reward for this and other homicides will revert to the $1000 maximum Crime Stoppers reward.