Remanded Back to Jail Without Bail
by Doug La Rocque
22-year-old Ian Hasselwander was arraigned Tuesday afternoon, March 15, in Rensselaer County Court before Judge Jennifer Sober on one count of Murder in the 2nd Degree and one count of Strangulation in the 1st Degree. Hasselwander pled not guilty to both counts. Judge Sober set April 29 as the tentative date for further proceedings and remanded Hasselwander back to the Rensselaer County Jail without bail until such time. Hasselwander was arrested by the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office on March 4 in connection with the disappearance and subsequent death of 20-year-old Morgan Bates of Eagle Bridge.
During the arraignment, Chief District Attorney Matthew Hauf, who is prosecuting the case, explained the discovery process and the sharing of information with the defense has begun but described the evidence in the case as “voluminous.” He also indicated to Judge Sober some of the evidence “was gathered surreptitiously through intercepted communications,” referring to wire taps and possibly other forms of digital information.
Following the arraignment, District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly spoke to the media, and emphasized her office and that of Sheriff Pat Russo do not feel there is any danger to the public following Hasselwander’s arrest. She also said Hasselwander has not confessed to the crimes.
As to how Ms. Bates’ body was found in a remote portion of the Cherry Plain State Park in Stephentown five days after she disappeared, District Attorney Donnelly credited good police work, following up on leads, grid searches and tying in known acquaintances.
Ms. Bates was reported missing on February 22, which spawned an intensive search involving both the Rensselaer and Washington County Sheriff’s Offices, NYS State Police and Forest Rangers as well State criminal intelligence and analysis centers.
Several members of Morgan Bates’ family attended the arraignment but chose not to make any public comments.
