Digest

This episode of "Small Town Murder" explores the chilling case of Allen Bates and Tara Bates, who were murdered by Allen's ex-wife, Jessica McCord, and her husband, Jeff McCord. The episode begins by introducing Rutledge, Georgia, a small town with a dark history of violence. The hosts then delve into the lives of Allen and Jessica, highlighting their tumultuous relationship, Jessica's controlling behavior, and the eventual divorce. The episode then shifts to the events leading up to the murders, including Allen's new relationship with Tara, Jessica's violent outburst towards Alan, and the court order prohibiting the two girls from being homeschooled. The episode then recounts the disappearance of Allen and Tara, the discovery of their bodies, and the subsequent investigation that led to the arrest of Jessica and Jeff. The episode concludes with a detailed account of the trial, Jessica's conviction, and the aftermath of the murders.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction and Show Overview

This chapter introduces the podcast "Small Town Murder" and its hosts, James Petrogallo and Jimmy Wiseman. They briefly discuss the show's format and upcoming episodes, including a live show in Minneapolis and bonus content on Patreon.

00:00:27

Rutledge, Georgia: A Small Town with a Dark Secret

This chapter delves into the history and demographics of Rutledge, Georgia, a small town with a population of 1105. The hosts discuss the town's origins, its connection to the railroad, and its current state, including its real estate market and the Rutledge Country Fair.

00:24:46

The Burning Car and the Twisted Tale

This chapter recounts the discovery of a burning car in the woods near Rutledge, Georgia, in 2002. The hosts describe the scene, the investigation, and the shocking discovery of two charred bodies in the trunk of the car.

00:52:13

A History of Violence in Rutledge

This chapter explores the history of violence in Rutledge, Georgia, highlighting several disturbing incidents, including the abduction and murder of an elderly woman, the kidnapping and mutilation of a paper girl, and the torture and murder of a runaway girl.

00:53:26

Alan Jeffrey Bates: The Suspect in the Burning Car Case

This chapter introduces Alan Jeffrey Bates, a suspect in the burning car case. The hosts discuss his upbringing, his seemingly perfect high school years, and his family background, which is described as "wholesome" and "old-fashioned."

00:56:51

Alan's Early Life and Interests

This chapter delves into Alan's upbringing, highlighting his involvement in music, particularly gospel and Christian bands, and his passion for technical theater. It also mentions his close friendship with Marley and his love for the theater environment.

00:59:24

Alan Meets Jessica and Their Opposing Personalities

This chapter introduces Jessica Callis, Alan's future wife, and contrasts their personalities. Alan is described as buttoned-up and responsible, while Jessica is portrayed as more rebellious and unconventional.

01:02:40

Jessica's Family Background and Challenges

This chapter explores Jessica's family dynamics, revealing a broken home with a difficult father and a more stable relationship with her stepfather. It also highlights the differences in their religious beliefs and Jessica's independent nature.

01:06:57

Jessica's Jealousy and Controlling Behavior

This chapter focuses on Jessica's possessive behavior towards Alan, particularly her dislike for his friend Marley and her attempts to isolate him from his social circle. It also reveals her demanding nature and early ultimatums in their relationship.

01:11:06

Jessica's Uninvited Appearance on Vacation

This chapter recounts a pivotal moment in Alan and Jessica's relationship: Jessica's unexpected arrival at Alan's family vacation on the Gulf Coast. Despite not being invited, she tracked down their location and spent the day with them, ultimately leading to a physical encounter.

01:21:07

The Unexpected Pregnancy and Alan's Family's Reaction

This chapter reveals the news of Jessica's pregnancy and Alan's decision to take responsibility for the child. It also explores the reactions of Alan's family, particularly his mother's initial reservations about Jessica.

01:33:30

Alan's Growing Dissatisfaction with Jessica

This chapter focuses on Alan's increasing unhappiness with Jessica, particularly her perceived lack of ambition and weight gain. It also highlights his desire to pursue his career in theater and his growing resentment towards Jessica.

01:36:45

Jessica's Controlling Behavior After the Divorce

This chapter details Jessica's manipulative tactics after the divorce, including her attempts to limit Alan's visitation time with their daughters and her use of emotional manipulation to undermine his relationship with the children.

01:38:33

Alan Meets Tara and Their Relationship Blossoms

This chapter introduces Tara, Alan's future wife, and contrasts her personality with Jessica's. Tara is described as intelligent, mature, and career-driven, and her relationship with Alan quickly develops into a deep connection.

01:43:06

Jessica's Violent Outburst and Alan's Injury

This chapter recounts a violent incident where Jessica attacks Alan, leaving him injured and leading to her arrest. It also reveals her manipulative tactics to portray herself as the victim and her subsequent arrest for contempt of court.

01:53:50

The Case Begins

The episode begins with a discussion of the court order that prohibited the two girls from being homeschooled while the custody case was pending. The order also required both parents to provide their phone numbers and addresses to each other at all times.

01:54:42

Allen and Tara's Visit to Birmingham

Allen and Tara flew to Birmingham to pick up their children from Jessica and her husband, Jeff. They planned to meet Allen's parents in Atlanta afterwards.

01:55:55

Allen and Tara's Disappearance

Allen and Tara were supposed to pick up their children at 6 pm but never showed up. Their parents became worried and started calling them, but their phones were not in use.

01:58:09

The Police Investigation Begins

Allen's parents called the police to report their son and daughter-in-law missing. The police conducted a welfare check at Jessica and Jeff's house, but found no one home.

01:59:16

The Discovery of the Car

A red Grand Am, the car Allen and Tara had rented, was found in Rutledge, Georgia. The police tracked down the rental car company and learned that the car had been rented to Allen.

02:03:31

The Autopsies

The autopsies revealed that both Allen and Tara had been shot multiple times. Allen's body exhibited extensive charring, indicating that he had been burned.

02:07:50

The Investigation Continues

The police interviewed Jeff McCord, Jessica's husband, but he was uncooperative. They also interviewed a friend of the Bates family who had seen them after the deposition.

02:10:20

Jessica's Alibi

Jessica and Jeff claimed that they had been out all night, going to the movies, dinner, and a strip club. They also said they had spent the early morning hours at a make-out point.

02:12:51

The Parents' Suspicions

Allen's parents called Jessica and told her that Allen and Tara were missing. Jessica seemed unconcerned and said that the children were at her mother's house.

02:14:29

The Search Warrant

The police obtained a search warrant for the McCord home and found evidence of a struggle, including blood on the coffee table and a bullet hole in the wall.

02:15:53

The Arrest of Jessica and Jeff

The police arrested Jessica and Jeff on two counts of first-degree murder. Jessica was pregnant with her fifth child at the time of her arrest.

02:16:56

The Trial

Jessica's trial began and she maintained her innocence. She claimed that Alan was abusive and that she was the real victim.

02:23:37

Jessica's Testimony

Jessica testified that she and Jeff had gone to two movies, a strip club, and a make-out point on the night of the murders. She said they had never been to the strip club before and that she didn't enjoy it.

02:28:44

The Prosecutor's Case

The prosecutor presented evidence that contradicted Jessica's alibi, including phone records and testimony from the bouncer at the strip club.

02:31:33

The Verdict

Jessica was found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder. The jury recommended a sentence of life in prison without parole.

02:32:44

Jeff's Plea Deal

Jeff McCord pleaded guilty to the murders and provided details about how they happened. He said that Jessica had lured Allen and Tara to the house and that he had shot them both.

02:37:00

The Aftermath

Jeff was sentenced to life in prison without parole. The parents of Allen and Tara filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Jessica and Jeff.

02:41:41

The End

The episode concludes with a discussion of the case's impact and the ongoing legal battles. The podcasters also encourage listeners to follow them on social media and support their Patreon.

02:54:39

Closing Remarks and Call to Action

The hosts express gratitude to their listeners, encourage them to follow the show on social media, and invite them to share the podcast with friends. They also promote early access to episodes through Wundery Plus and Amazon Music.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is the main event that takes place in Rutledge, Georgia, in 2002?

  A burning car is discovered in the woods near Rutledge, Georgia, and two charred bodies are found in the trunk.

• What is the history of violence in Rutledge, Georgia?

  Rutledge has a history of disturbing incidents, including the abduction and murder of an elderly woman, the kidnapping and mutilation of a paper girl, and the torture and murder of a runaway girl.

• Who is Alan Jeffrey Bates, and what is his connection to the burning car case?

  Alan Jeffrey Bates is a suspect in the burning car case. He was born in 1972 and grew up in a "wholesome" Southern Christian family. He was a popular and well-adjusted student in high school.

• What is the format of the "Small Town Murder" podcast?

  The podcast explores murders and other crimes in small towns across the United States. The hosts, James Petrogallo and Jimmy Wiseman, use humor and a conversational style to tell the stories.

• What is the significance of the Rutledge Country Fair?

  The Rutledge Country Fair is the town's biggest event of the year and is described as a "free event that guarantees fun for the whole family."

• What is the significance of the burning car being discovered on Hawkins Academy Road?

  Hawkins Academy Road is located in a rural area, surrounded by woods, which makes it a secluded and isolated location. This suggests that the perpetrators chose this location to dispose of the bodies and avoid detection.

• What is the significance of the forensic team finding a 44 caliber Magnum Remington shell casing and a spent bullet?

  These findings suggest that a firearm was used in the murders, and the type of weapon used could provide valuable clues about the perpetrators.

• What is the significance of the paper towel with the imprint pattern of a little boy and a little girl?

  This finding suggests that children may have been present at the crime scene, either as witnesses or as victims.

• What is the significance of the engagement ring found in the trunk of the car?

  This finding suggests that the female victim was likely married or engaged, and the ring could provide valuable clues about her identity and her relationship with the perpetrator.

Show Notes