The jury trial for Allen Glen Yates, of Columbia, continued Wednesday in Taylor Circuit Court as prosecutors concluded their case in a fatal 2024 collision on Highway 55.
Yates was indicted by a Taylor County grand jury on Sept. 3, 2024, on two counts of murder; second-degree assault; first-degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine); second-degree possession of a controlled substance (unspecified); operating a motor vehicle under the influence of a controlled substance, aggravating circumstances; and first-degree persistent felony offender.
The charges stem from a crash in which prosecutors say Yates crossed the center line in a Ford F-150 and collided with a Nissan Rogue driven by Tracy York Murrell, of Columbia. Murrell was pronounced dead at the scene. Karen Bishop, a passenger in Yates’ vehicle, later died from injuries suffered in the collision. Cameron Murrell, also in the Nissan, was treated and released.
The trial opened Tuesday with testimony from several witnesses called by the prosecution. More witnesses testified Wednesday before prosecutors rested their case at about 2 p.m. CST. The defense then began presenting its witnesses, calling its first shortly after prosecutors concluded.
Court adjourned around 5 p.m. CST. Defense attorneys indicated they may call one additional witness Thursday morning before closing arguments begin. The jury will then receive instructions before beginning deliberations.
Yates faces up to life in prison if convicted on the murder counts. The Voice will provide coverage of Thursday’s closing arguments and the verdict when it is announced.
