Court upholds life sentences in 2021 Gibson County double homicide

GIBSON COUNTY, Tenn. — On April 7, 2026, in the Circuit Court of Gibson County, the Honorable Clayburn Peeples presided over the hearing for a Motion for New Trial in State v. Frederick Yates, Jr., which was filed by the defense. The Court denied the Motion and affirmed the jury verdict at trial, finding the proof sufficient to support the finding of guilt in all Counts.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Yates sentenced to 2 consecutive life sentences

On January 12, 2026, Frederick Yates, Jr. (24) was sentenced by Judge Peeples to serve two consecutive life sentences and an additional 18 years in the Tennessee Department of Correction.

In September of 2025, Yates was found guilty after a three-day jury trial of Two Counts of First Degree Murder, Two Counts of Felony Murder, Especially Aggravated Burglary, Two Counts of Employing a Firearm during the Commission of a Dangerous Felony, Two Counts of Conspiracy to Commit First Degree Murder, Two Counts of Facilitation of First Degree Murder, and Tampering with Evidence, for the murders of Diamond Love and Marcus Smith, Jr. in August of 2021.

“Judge Peeples properly affirmed the jury’s verdict, finding Frederick Yates guilty of the murders of Diamond Love and Marcus Smith, Jr. Yates will spend the rest of his life in prison for his violent crimes, where he belongs. We again recognize the jurors, our law enforcement partners, and the victims’ families for their service and dedication, which enabled our Office to achieve justice for the victims.”

-District Attorney General Frederick H. Agee

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