Lambert Gaines Wilson, a 68-year-old male of Cherokee ethnicity, tragically died on October 20, 2022, from gunshot wounds sustained at the El Camino Motel in Cherokee, North Carolina, which he owned. Wilson was a respected educator and principal in Swain County Schools for 31 years before retiring in 2006. He continued to serve on the Board of Education for 12 years after his retirement. His death was ruled a homicide by the N.C. Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
The incident leading to Wilson's death involved an altercation with a motel customer who feared for their life. According to a 911 call, the customer reported that Wilson attacked them and pointed a gun at them. The call recorded four gunshots, and Wilson was found with gunshot wounds to the neck, arms, chest, and abdomen. The autopsy report also noted a significant concentration of alcohol in Wilson's blood.
As of now, no arrests have been made, and no suspects have been publicly identified in connection with Wilson's death. The Cherokee Indian Police Department has not confirmed any details about the incident other than acknowledging that an "incident" occurred at the motel that night. The investigation remains ongoing, and the community continues to mourn the loss of a beloved member.
Would you like to know more about the investigation or any other details?
