A shocking incident in Oklahoma has led to the arrest of a 70-year-old woman after she allegedly shot and killed her husband. Authorities say she called 911 herself and calmly told dispatchers she would be waiting outside for police to arrive.
Woman Calls 911 After Allegedly Shooting Husband
Elizabeth Poteete, 70, has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of her husband, Troy Wayne Poteete, also 70. Deputies from the Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Office responded to the couple’s home on February 6 after receiving a late-night emergency call.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Elizabeth Poteete called 911 at around 11:17 p.m. She reportedly told dispatchers that she had shot her husband several times and would be waiting on the porch for deputies.
When officers arrived at the scene, they found Troy Poteete sitting in a chair with multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Victim Was Former Cherokee Nation Supreme Court Justice
Troy Wayne Poteete was a former justice on the Cherokee Nation Supreme Court. Deputies attempted lifesaving measures, but their efforts were unsuccessful.
Authorities said that when they arrived at the home, Elizabeth Poteete admitted that she was the one who shot her husband.
Claims of Fear and Alleged Threats
After waiving her Miranda rights, Elizabeth Poteete reportedly told investigators that she feared for her life. She claimed that her husband, along with his girlfriend and another unnamed individual, were planning to shoot her.
According to the affidavit, she said that after hearing this alleged threat, she retrieved a handgun from a filing cabinet. Authorities stated that Troy Poteete was asleep in a chair with a CPAP machine on his face when she allegedly shot him multiple times.
Earlier 911 Call Raised Concerns
Police reports show that earlier the same day, around 6 p.m., Elizabeth Poteete had also called 911. She claimed that she saw an unidentified man walking around her property.
Deputies responded and searched the area but did not find anything suspicious. They contacted Troy Poteete by phone to inform him about the call. According to the affidavit, deputies later noted that they believed Elizabeth Poteete might have been experiencing a mental health episode.
FBI Now Investigating
Because the incident took place within the Cherokee Nation, and both Elizabeth and Troy Poteete are members of the tribe, the case falls under federal jurisdiction. The FBI is now leading the investigation.
Elizabeth Poteete has been charged with one count of first-degree murder. She is currently being held without bond at the Sequoyah County Jail. Her arraignment is scheduled for March 3.
The investigation is ongoing, and more details may emerge as the case moves forward through the legal system.
