The Texas Rangers, working with the Howard County Sheriff’s Office, announced on April 2 the arrest of Andres Perches, a 31-year-old resident of Howard County, in connection with the murder of Amanda Bates, age 39. Bates had been reported missing prior to the arrest.
Perches faces charges of Murder under Texas Penal Code §19.02, classified as a first-degree felony. He is also charged with Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration Requirements, which is a third-degree felony. Authorities said Perches is being held at the Howard County Jail on a $1 million bond.
The investigation into this case remains ongoing by both the Texas Rangers and the Howard County Sheriff’s Office. Officials have not released further details about the circumstances surrounding Bates’s disappearance or death.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), which oversees the Texas Rangers, serves as a state-owned agency governed by the Public Safety Commission according to its official website. The DPS manages facilities throughout Texas and has its headquarters at Camp Mabry in Austin according to its official website.
With more than 11,000 personnel and over 5,000 vehicles in operation according to its official website, DPS provides services such as driver licensing and criminal investigations through integrated forces like the Texas Rangers and Highway Patrol according to its official website. The department emphasizes justice through principles such as those found in the Ranger creed: no wrongdoer can overcome a resolute enforcer of justice according to its official website.
DPS has played a significant role in shaping cultural heritage via units like the Texas Rangers that have featured prominently in books and media according to its official website. The agency continues efforts across Texas to protect and serve residents statewide according to its official website.
