Crime Solvers Central
CSC
263 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.
Silas Yates death by force case profile photo

Silas Yates

Case from Florence County, SC dated Feb 12, 1975

Victim Details

Silas Yates

Male

White / Caucasian

Florence County

SC

1975-02-12

45

Silas

Yates

07/17/2026

Case Description

Any updates on this case? Let us know!
In the winter of 1975, a sinister plot unfolded in the rural landscape of Florence County, South Carolina, culminating in the tragic death of Silas Barnwell Yates, a 45-year-old white male farmer. His life was cut short on February 12, 1975, not by a random act of violence, but by a calculated murder-for-hire scheme born from a soured relationship.

The conspiracy was set in motion by Yates's ex-girlfriend, Suzanne Kipper Owens, and her husband, John Owens. The couple harbored a deep-seate ...
MEMBER ACCESS

Continue reading the complete case summary

Unlock the full case narrative for Silas Yates, all available source links, additional videos, and member discussions.

Unlock Full Case Access — $3.97/month
Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in

Links to Additional Sources (3)

See any mistakes? Let us know!
  • Former prosecutor calls paroled woman minor player in serial killings
  • Defendant Suzanne Owens, center, arrives in the trial for the murder ...
    • MEMBER ACCESS

    Unlock 1 additional source

    View the complete collection of available reporting and reference links for this case.

    View All Case Sources — $3.97/month
    Cancel anytime.
    Already a member? Log in

    Latest News

    View All

    Forum Posts (1)

    I’ve been following the tragic case of Silas Barnwell Yates, and one aspect of it that’s been on... ...Read More
    01/08/2023
    MEMBER ACCESS

    Join the discussion for Silas Yates

    Read full forum posts and contribute to this case discussion.

    Unlock forum access — $3.97/month
    Already a member? Log in

    Other Cases from South-carolina

    Jaquelle Dinkins death by force case in Wedgefield, SC

    Jaquelle Dinkins

    Death: Sep 14, 2016
    In the early morning hours of September 14, 2016, in the small community of Wedgefield, South Caroli l ...Read More
    Travis Smith death by force case in North-augusta, SC

    Travis Smith

    Death: Sep 29, 2012
    In the early morning hours of September 29, 2012, the life of 28-year-old Travis Smith, a Black male l ...Read More
    JaiShaun Young death by force case in York, SC

    JaiShaun Young

    Death: May 04, 2024
    On a spring evening, 21-year-old Jai'Shaun Young, a male from Gastonia, North Carolina, was visiting n ...Read More
    Timothy William Bellamy death by force case in Longs, SC

    Timothy William Bellamy

    Death: Aug 26, 2020
    In the early morning hours of August 26, 2020, 22-year-old Timothy William Bellamy, a male resident t ...Read More
    Johnny Wayne Martin Cook death by force case in Fort Mill, SC

    Johnny Wayne Martin Cook

    Death: Aug 28, 2025
    In the late hours of a Thursday in August, the community of Fort Mill, South Carolina, was rocked by b ...Read More
    Shamon White death by force case in Lancaster, SC

    Shamon White

    Death: Sep 24, 2020
    In the quiet, early morning hours of September 24, 2020, a sudden burst of violence shattered the pe p ...Read More
    Landon Scott Sellers death by force case in Cheraw, SC

    Landon Scott Sellers

    Death: May 04, 2026
    In the small town of Cheraw, South Carolina, the life of 20-year-old Landon Scott Sellers was cut tr t ...Read More