Cleveland Gas Station Murder: Suspect Sentenced To Life In Prison

CLEVELAND — A Cleveland man has been sentenced to life in prison for murdering a person at a gas station.

Eric Yates, 36, was accused of shooting and killing a 27-year-old man at a gas station in Glenville. A jury found him guilty of aggravated murder, murder, felonious assault, assault on a peace officer, and having weapons under disability.

“After arguing with the victim, this individual left and then returned to the scene and fired numerous shots, killing the victim and injuring a bystander in the process,” said Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael O’Malley. “Our thoughts and prayers remain with the victim’s family.”

On Jan. 10, 2019, Yates was in a gas station parking lot on E. 105th Street. He got into an argument with the 27-year-old but then drove away. Two minutes later he returned, walked behind a dumpster and fired several shots at the 27-year-old before then running from the scene, prosecutors said.

The 27-year-old was hit in the chest by a bullet and taken to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, prosecutors said. A bystander was also hurt in the shooting.

Video surveillance of the shooting helped police identify Yates, prosecutors said. When Yates was brought in for questioning he threw hot coffee on a homicide detective, prosecutors noted, and was charged with assaulting a police officer.

A jury found him guilty of aggravated murder and other charges. He was sentenced to life in prison. His first opportunity for parole will come after serving 53 years.