Cherokee police arrest, charge three in fatal shooting on Qualla Boundary

CHEROKEE, N.C. — Tribal police have arrested and charged three people in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred on the Qualla Boundary, the reservation of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, authorities said.

Victoria Thompson, 35. (Photo: Cherokee Indian Police Department)

The Cherokee Indian Police Department said officers were notified Saturday afternoon of reports that a person had been shot at an unknown location. Through an investigation, police determined that Thomas Pheasant Jr. sustained multiple gunshot wounds at a residence on Galimore Road within the Qualla Boundary.

Investigators said the victim’s body was later removed from the residence and transported to an area near Newfound Gap, where it was dumped and subsequently recovered.

Timothy Jason McCoy, 34, was arrested and charged with first-degree homicide, assault with a deadly weapon, and assault by pointing a gun, police said.

Two additional suspects were also arrested. Derrick Jenkins, 36, and Victoria Thompson, 35, were each charged with accessory after the fact and obstruction of governmental functions.

Because the shooting occurred on the Qualla Boundary, the case falls under tribal and federal jurisdiction and is being investigated by Cherokee Indian Police. Authorities have not released information regarding the motive for the shooting or the relationship between the suspects and the victim.

Police have also not publicly confirmed whether the suspects or the victim are enrolled members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Officials cautioned that residency or location within the Qualla Boundary does not automatically indicate tribal citizenship.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Cherokee Indian Police Department at (828) 497-4131 or submit tips anonymously through the department’s smartphone app.