BENTONVILLE — Prosecutors have filed formal charges against a Bentonville man accused of killing another man at his home in November.
James Andrew Bates is charged with murder in the first degree, a Class Y felony, and tampering and tampering with physical evidence, a Class D felony. Prosecutors filed a criminal information with the charges Wednesday against Bates.
Bates is accused of killing Victor Collins on Nov. 22, 2015. Bates is accused of then tampering with physical evidence by using a garden hose to wash away blood from his hot tub and patio area that resulted from Bates’ struggle and Collins’ eventual death, according to court documents.
Bates was arrested Feb. 22.
Collins, 47, of Centerton was found dead in a hot tub at Bates home, according to court documents. Collins died of strangulation with drowning as a secondary cause, according to court documents.
Bates was released from the Benton County Jail after posting a $350,000 bond.