Judge Schedules Hearing for Murder Defendant

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On Oct. 14, a DC Superior Court judge scheduled a hearing to determine if a murder case has enough evidence to go to trial.

Nathaniel Bates, 36, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the death of Eddie Crist. Crist was 28-years-old when he sustained six gunshot wounds on May 9 on the 4000 block of South Capitol Terrace, SW. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

At the time Crist was killed, Bates was on pretrial release in another felony case, in which he is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm.

According to court documents, at 8:03 a.m., gunfire location technology alerted to the sounds on gunshots on the 4000 block of South Capitol Terrace, SW. At 8:04 a.m., Bates’ GPS monitor hit the 4100 block of South Capitol Terrace, SW.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested Bates on Sept. 21.

In a different case, the defendant is charged with possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, unlawful possession of ammunition, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault on a police officer, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with intent to kill, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and resisting arrest.

Judge Judith Smith scheduled Bates’ preliminary hearing for Nov. 16.