Wife of Cherokee Nation Judge Charged with Murder After Shooting Husband in Sleep
Elizabeth Poteete, a 70-year-old Oklahoma woman, is facing first-degree murder charges after allegedly shooting and killing her husband, former Cherokee Nation Supreme Court Justice Troy Poteete, as he slept in their home. The incident occurred on February 5, according to newly filed court records obtained by local media outlets.
911 Call and Police Response
Investigators report that Poteete called 911 around 11 p.m. on the night of the shooting, informing the dispatcher that she had shot her husband multiple times. She stated she would be waiting for deputies on the front porch of their home in Vian, Oklahoma.
When deputies from the Sequoyah County Sheriff's Office arrived at the residence, they discovered Troy Poteete on the couch, suffering from gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene, marking a tragic end to the life of a prominent legal and tribal figure.
Elizabeth Poteete's Account of Events
According to court records viewed by FOX24, Elizabeth Poteete told investigators that her husband had threatened her, claiming his girlfriend and another person were going to kill her. She asserted that she feared for her life, which led her to retrieve a handgun from a file cabinet.
Standing approximately four to five feet away from her sleeping husband, she fired multiple shots. Poteete admitted to investigators that she was uncertain how many times she pulled the trigger during the incident.
Background of Troy Poteete
Troy Wayne Poteete was a respected figure within the Cherokee Nation and beyond. He served as a founding member of the Trail of Tears Association, an organization dedicated to preserving the history of the forced relocation of Native Americans. His career included eight years as a Cherokee Nation Tribal Council member and a role as director of the Arkansas Riverbed Authority.
His contributions to tribal governance and historical preservation have left a lasting impact, making his sudden death all the more shocking to the community.
Legal Proceedings and Current Status
Elizabeth Poteete is currently being held at the Sequoyah County Jail without bond, as confirmed by court documents. She is scheduled to appear in Cherokee Nation District Court on March 3, where the charges against her will be formally addressed.
The case has drawn significant attention due to the high-profile nature of the victim and the circumstances surrounding the alleged crime. Authorities continue to investigate the details, including the validity of Poteete's claims regarding threats to her life.
