Woman killed in robbery after leaving Eastern Cherokee casino

Tuesday, October 2, 2012  

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred near the tribe's casino on Sunday night.

Barbara Preidet, 76, was shot and killed in the parking lot of a hotel across from the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino. She had been at the casino with her husband before they were robbed at gunpoint at the Fairfield Inn & Suites.

“I am shocked by the events which occurred last night in Cherokee,” he said Monday. “Senseless violence is unacceptable in any community, and I am committed to supporting the Cherokee Indian Police Department in locating the suspect in this crime and bringing them to justice," Principal Chief Michell Hicks said in a statement, The Asheville Citizen-Times reported.

The tribe is offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction.

Get the Story:
Woman shot, killed in Cherokee robbery (The Asheville Citizen-Times 10/2)