Trial begins for man accused of killing 2 in Gibson County
UPDATE (9/12/25): Defendant found guilty of 2021 double homicide
MILAN, Tenn. — Opening arguments were heard in the case of a Milan man accused of a double homicide in Gibson County.
The murder trial of Frederick Yates Jr. started Tuesday with opening arguments from both prosecutors and defense.
Yates is charged with two counts of first degree murder, two counts of possession of a firearm with the intent to go armed, and one count of aggravated burglary.
Prosecutors say Yates killed Diamond Love and Marcus Smith Jr. on August 23 of 2021.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Investigation into Gibson County double homicide continues
The sheriff’s department and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation worked together to connect Yates to the murders and prosecutors say they have several eyewitnesses that placed him at the scene of the homicide.
Following the murders, Yates fled to Georgia where he was apprehended by the U.S. Marshals task force.
“We will submit that the proof will show that Frederick Yates murdered Diamond Love and Marcus Smith Jr. on August the 23 of 2021,” stated the prosecution.
“I ask you to keep an open mind, I at least ask you to listen to all the questions and to make the individual decision that Frederick Yates pleads not guilty. He did not murder either Diamond Love or Marcus Smith Jr.,” responded Yates’ defense attorney.
The trial is expected to take several days.
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