Full Breakdown
Oklahoma Woman Charged with Murder of Former Cherokee Nation Justice
2/14/2026, 6:00:53 AM
Fatal Shooting Incident
Elizabeth Poteete, 70, has been charged with first-degree murder following the shooting death of her husband, Troy Wayne Poteete, a former justice of the Cherokee Nation Supreme Court. The incident occurred on February 5, 2023, at their home in Vian, Oklahoma. According to court records, Elizabeth Poteete called 911 around 11 p.m., reporting that she had shot her husband multiple times and would be waiting for deputies on her front porch. When law enforcement arrived, they found Troy Poteete, also 70, unresponsive in a chair with multiple gunshot wounds and pronounced him dead at the scene.
Allegations and Claims
Elizabeth Poteete has claimed that she feared for her life, stating that her husband had threatened her, alleging that he and others intended to kill her. She reportedly retrieved a handgun from a filing cabinet and shot him while he was sleeping with a CPAP machine. Investigators noted that she was unsure how many times she fired the weapon. Prior to the shooting, Elizabeth Poteete had contacted the Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Office earlier that day, expressing concerns about an unidentified man on their property, which deputies later investigated but found no evidence of a threat.
Background of Troy Wayne Poteete
Troy Wayne Poteete was a prominent figure within the Cherokee Nation, having served as a justice on the Cherokee Nation Supreme Court and as a member of the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council for eight years. He was also a founding member of the Trail of Tears Association and the director of the Arkansas Riverbed Authority. A memorial service for him is scheduled for February 13, 2023, at the Sequoyah High School Gym in Tahlequah.
Legal Proceedings
Elizabeth Poteete is currently being held at the Sequoyah County Jail without bond. Her initial court appearance is set for March 3, 2023. The case is being investigated by the FBI due to its jurisdiction within the Cherokee Nation.
Criticism and Opposition
While Elizabeth Poteete has claimed self-defense, the circumstances surrounding the shooting have raised questions. Law enforcement officials previously noted that they believed she might have been experiencing a mental episode during the earlier 911 call about the unidentified man. This aspect of her mental state may play a significant role in her defense as the case progresses.
What's Next
As the investigation continues, Elizabeth Poteete's legal representation and the court will address the charges against her during the upcoming arraignment. The case has garnered attention due to the high-profile nature of the individuals involved and the implications for the Cherokee Nation community.
Verbatim Quotes
- “she would be waiting for deputies on the porch of her residence.” — 911 Dispatcher Report
- “she was afraid for her life,” — Elizabeth Poteete
- “believed [Elizabeth Poteete] was having a mental episode.” — Law Enforcement Report
