Authorities offering reward for murder suspect formerly arrested in Kentucky

KENTUCKY (K105) – The U.S. Marshals Service and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation are offering rewards for a murder suspect previously arrested in Kentucky.

According  to a report by K105, 38-year-old Jesse Wayne Phillips was previously apprehended in Breckinridge County.

Now, he is wanted on a second-degree murder charge in connection with the May 27, 2026 shooting death of 40-year-old Christopher Brad Yates in Pall Mall located in Fentress County, Tennessee, K105 states.

K105 further reports Phillips’ hometown is listed as Byrdstown, Tennessee, with past arrests in Kentucky over 12 times.

In addition, the report states he was last spotted two weeks ago in Clinton County on May 28.

According to K105, Phillips’ past arrest in Breckinridge County occurred on October 30, 2017, when he was charged with burglary and theft by unlawful taking. At that time, K105 states his hometown “was listed as Bardstown.”

The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a reward of $5,000 for information leading to Phillips’ capture, while the TBI is offering a $2,500 reward, according to the report.

Phillips is considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached.

Phillips is described as 5 feet 10 inches tall and 225 pounds with brown eyes and brown hair.

Anyone with information on Phillips’ whereabouts is asked to contact the U.S. Marshals Service at 1-877-WANTED2 or by calling 911.