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Incident
City Marshal Dave Yates was shot and killed while investigating the sounds of gunfire. He stopped two men he saw to ask them about the shots. One of the men, who was drunk along with the other, produced a gun and shot Marshal Yates. The gunman and his companion were convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death. The Tennessee Supreme Court ordered a new trial for his companion. He was convicted of accessory after the fact to murder and sentenced to 20 years. In 1925 the supreme court again ordered a new trial with the recommendation that the case be dismissed if the only evidence was that which was used in the second trial. At the same time Governor Austin Peay commuted the gunman's sentence to life.
Survivors
Marshal Yates was survived by his wife and child.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
City Marshal Yates served with the Union City Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Union City community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, City Marshal Yates.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Union City Police Department has lost 4 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Dave is one of 498 officers killed feloniously in TN, 64.8% of the 769 remembered there.
Dave is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Dave is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1922, 6 officers in TN were killed feloniously, the 23rd heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1931, with 12.
In 1922, 228 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1922, 306 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
December holds 10.2% of these deaths in TN, more than any other month. Mondays: 12%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Mondays: 13.8%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 4 deaths at Union City Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun, in 25% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 64.8% of all 769 deaths in TN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 11% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Union City Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, Dave among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 6-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Union City Police Department are honored on badge.nw.