Suitland Shooter Sentenced In Death Of Applebee's Employee: Prince George's Prosecutor

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — A man who opened fire, killing an Applebee’s employee and injuring two others outside the restaurant in Forestville, has been sentenced in the case.

David Isaiah Yates, 24, of Suitland shot and killed Anthony Evans, an employee at the Applebee’s Grill and Bar on Donnell Drive, in May of 2021. That evening, employees and a group of customers argued over the closing time. As they were gathering outside before heading home, a car driven by Keith Cook, in which Yates was the passenger, pulled up. Yates fired over the top of the vehicle, hitting Evans, 38, and two others who survived, prosecutors said.

“This was truly just an act of vengeance and cowardness,” said Assistant State’s Attorney Sherrie Waldrup during the sentencing hearing. “Mr. Yates wanted to show people he was someone who needed to be feared.”

Yates was found guilty of first-degree murder and three counts of use of a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence, two counts of attempted first-degree murder, two counts of first-degree assault and conspiracy to commit murder on Aug. 4. He has been sentenced to life in prison plus 80 years. His co-defendant, Cook, pled guilty to accessory after the murder and was sentenced to 10 years suspend all but 5.

“With today’s sentence, Mr. Yates will be held accountable for his reckless actions,” said State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy. “This started out as an enjoyable evening at a restaurant and ended tragically for the victims, which is sad. We lost Mr. Evans and fortunately, the two other victims survived – I will continue to pray for all their families as they move forward.”