Monticello, KY – On September 17, 2026, the United States Marshals Service (USMS), in coordination with multiple federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, arrested Jesse Wayne Phillips, who was wanted in connection with a May 2026 homicide in Pickett County, Tennessee.
On May 27, 2026, Pickett County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the 1000 block of Parker Road in Pall Mall, Tennessee following reports of a shooting.
Upon arrival, deputies located Christopher Yates suffering from a gunshot wound. Yates was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) subsequently identified PHILLIPS as the shooter. Pickett County authorities issued a warrant charging PHILLIPS with Second-Degree Murder and added him to the TBI’s Most Wanted List.
On June 10, 2026, the case was adopted by the USMS Middle District of Tennessee Nashville Office for fugitive apprehension.
Since that time, USMS investigators have pursued numerous leads in collaboration with the USMS Central Kentucky Fugitive Task Force London Office, TBI, Kentucky State Police, Clinton County Sheriff’s Office, and Wayne County Sheriff’s Office. During the week of September 14th, those investigative efforts yielded significant information regarding PHILLIPS’ whereabouts.
On September 17, 2026, the USMS, along with the aforementioned agencies and the Kentucky State Police Special Response Team located and arrested PHILLIPS in the 7700 block of KY-1546 in Monticello, Kentucky.
Following the arrest, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the location, resulting in the seizure of multiple firearms in furtherance of the ongoing criminal investigation.
PHILLIPS was transported to the Pulaski County Detention Center where he will await extradition to Pickett County, TN.
The United States Marshals Service is committed to the relentless pursuit of violent fugitives to ensure the safety of our communities. We appreciate the critical assistance provided by our law enforcement partners whose combined efforts led to the safe arrest of this violent fugitive.
