Indeed, the rental car is a big question mark. The fact that it sat out there all winter without being vandalized is amazing. If it had been parked at the corner of 3N14 and Bowen Ranch road it wouldnt have lasted one night!

I believe that the presence of this car in the area for so long indicates that Mr Bates may have died from natural causes with contributing factors such as drugs or exposure. Usually,if there is a murder,the perpatrator will get rid of evidence as quickly as they can. It doesn't make sense to keep the car around after a murder.

Or,if he did meet with foul play...whoever did the deed left the area and didnt care or know what Mr Bates was driving. Like I say,I do have an open mind and we dont know what happened. Many cars have been abandoned out there over the years so this is not unusual. Most often,they are either broken or stolen. Nobody goes looking for the owners.