SOUTHSIDE, Va. — The Southside Virginia community is mourning the tragic loss of 20-year-old Hunter Bates, who was killed in a shooting along Interstate 85 on August 28, 2025.
Authorities say the incident occurred near mile marker 5 around 3:47 p.m. Bates was found inside his Honda Civic, which had veered off the roadway into a culvert. Despite emergency response efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
A female passenger traveling with Bates was taken to a local hospital and has since been released.
Virginia State Police have identified 19-year-old Jason Allen Glidewell II as the primary suspect. Glidewell, considered armed and dangerous, is currently being sought in connection with the killing.
Bates’ death has left his family, friends, and community heartbroken. He is remembered as a kind, energetic, and promising young man whose life was cut short too soon. Friend Ethan Carter shared, “Hunter’s kindness and energy will be missed by everyone who knew him.”
Authorities urge anyone with information about Glidewell’s whereabouts to contact Virginia State Police.
Hunter Bates’ memory will live on in the love of those who knew him, even as the search for justice continues.
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