A 16-year-old Modesto boy has been arrested in the Sept. 3, 2022 shooting death of a south Modesto man.

Scott Bates Jr. was found shot to death in a vehicle in the 100 block of Imperial Avenue in south Modesto.

The Nov. 8 arrest came after a lengthy investigation by detectives of the Sheriff’s Department Major Crimes Unit which is continuing its probe of the murder. The suspect was booked into Stanislaus County Juvenile Hall on a homicide charge.

No motive for the shooting has been established, but multiple search warrants have been obtained to further investigate the circumstances that led to the violent act.

Those with information that could be helpful to the investigation are urged to contact Detective Hankins at (209) 525-7114. Stanislaus County Area Crime Stoppers can also be contacted for anonymous reports by calling 1-866-60-CRIME. A free mobile app can also be downloaded at P3Tips.