⚠️ An Elizabeth man was sentenced to 15 years in prison for a fatal beating in 2024.
➡️ Michael Bates admitted causing the death of Newark resident Sharieff Franklin.
🔴 Prosecutors said Bates had multiple prior aggravated assault convictions before the attack.
ELIZABETH — A Union County man with a violent criminal record heads to prison for a deadly beating two years ago.
Michael Bates, of Elizabeth, was sentenced on Friday to 15 years in state prison for first-degree aggravated manslaughter, which he pleaded guilty to in April.
The 44-year-old Bates admitted to causing the death of Sharieff Franklin, also 44 and a Newark resident…