In Early 2001, 43-year-old Uncle Robert Marek let his 27-year-old niece, Melissa Bates, move in with him.
On May 15, 2001, Bates shot her uncle and beat him with a rod.
After he was dead, she burned his body along with tires, wood, and other items. She was arrested two days later.
Her lawyer and family pointed the finger at her poor mental health. She previously spent two years in a psych facility and was on medication that she stopped taking.
She entered an Alford plea in her case and was sentenced to 30 years to life.
DOB:
1984Conviction(s):
- Murder
Date of crime:
May 15th, 2001Location(s):
St. Maries, IDDate of arrest:
May 17th, 2001Details:
Killed her uncle and then burned his body.Confirmed Victim(s):
- Robert Marek (43)
Method:
Shooting/BeatingMotive(s):
UnknownSentence:
30 years to lifeCurrent whereabouts:
UnknownLast Updated on 08/21/2026
