The Office of the District Attorney General, 28th Judicial District, announced that Johnny Yarbrough, Jr. has entered a guilty plea to charges of Second Degree Murder and other related offenses. According to a social media post from the District Attorney's office, the case involved the death of Joseph Simpson during a failed robbery attempt.
Yarbrough, now 31, was sentenced to 25 years at 100% to be served in the Tennessee Department of Correction. In addition to the murder conviction, he was also found guilty of being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Robbery, with an 8-year state probation term to begin after completing his prison sentence. His requirements while incarcerated and during supervision include Moral Reconation Therapy, alcohol and drug counseling, vocational training, mandatory drug screenings, and maintaining full-time employment. Because he entered a guilty plea, his ability to appeal is generally waived, except in cases of manifest injustice or if the law under which he was convicted is later found to be unconstitutional.
In November 2022, Johnny Yarbrough, along with Tyler Pierce and Amanda Cathey, entered Joseph Simpson’s residence and attempted a robbery. During the incident, Simpson was killed. Yarbrough has since been sentenced, Pierce previously pleaded guilty to Second Degree Murder, and Cathey is awaiting trial by a jury.
District Attorney General Frederick H. Agee noted that the murder occurred during the commission of a robbery at Simpson’s home. He also recognized the contributions of law enforcement, including former Investigator and current Rutherford Police Chief Nick Milan and the Gibson County Sheriff’s Department, in successfully prosecuting the case.
Although the legal proceedings in this case have concluded, Joseph Simpson’s death represents a significant loss to his family, friends, and community. Beyond the legal and statistical aspects, the impact of his death is deeply felt by those who knew him.
