Man pleads guilty to two counts of attempted murder after Smithville attack

Alex Bates was arrested last December after forcing a man and his mother-in-law into their basement with an imitation hand gun.

The 47-year-old had previously served three years in jail for sexual interference of the man’s 14-year-old daughter. His wife managed to escape and call 9-1-1 but her mother was tied and gagged with her son-in-law.

Bates beat the two with a bat before fleeing the residence. He was shot multiple times after he pulled the mock-gun on police waiting outside the home.

Bate’s lawyer says he entered a deal to plead guilty to 2 out of 4 charges. His sentencing will be held August 12th.