ADAMS COUNTY – The search for a missing Adams County woman has developed into a homicide investigation after human remains believed to be those of Felicia Bates were found and a murder suspect was arrested in Louisiana.
According to the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, Bates was reported missing after she was last seen by family members Sept. 13.
Authorities said human remains believed to be Bates were later located. The Adams County Coroner’s Office responded to recover the remains, which will undergo formal identification and additional forensic examination.
As the investigation continued, deputies said evidence led them to 50-year-old Albert Kendall Washington of Natchez.
A warrant was issued charging Washington with first-degree murder in connection with Bates’ death.
Authorities located Washington at a Motel 6 in Monroe, Louisiana. The sheriff’s office said Washington refused commands to leave the motel room and barricaded himself inside.
The Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team responded and took Washington into custody.
Washington remains jailed in Louisiana while awaiting extradition to Natchez, where he will face the murder charge.
The Adams County Sheriff’s Office said multiple agencies and volunteer organizations assisted with the search and investigation, including the Adams County Search and Rescue Team, United Cajun Navy, Team Texas K9s, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, Concordia Parish authorities, Monroe police and the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Specialized cadaver K-9 teams also assisted in the search.
Sheriff Travis Patten said investigators worked around the clock to locate Bates and thanked the agencies and volunteers who assisted.
“This is not the ending that any of us hoped or prayed for when we began searching for Felicia,” Patten said.
The investigation remains active, and authorities said additional information will be released when appropriate. Washington is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
