Indian descendant fights jurisdiction in North Carolina court

Monday, September 23, 2013  

A man who is a descendant of a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is fighting state court jurisdiction in North Carolina.

George Nobles, 36, is charged with first-degree murder in connection with the shooting death of a woman on the reservation. He contends, however, that he should be tried in federal court or tribal court because he is "Indian."

Nobles is not enrolled in the Eastern Band but his mother is a member. He qualifies as a "first-generation descendant," a status the entitles him to certain benefits on the reservation.

The state, however, contends Nobles is not "Indian." Superior Court Judge Brad Letts, who incidentally is a member of the Eastern Band, is due to make a decision, The Sylvia Herald reported.

Two other people have been charged in tribal court in connection with the death of Barbara Preidt, who was non-Indian. One is a member of the Eastern Band and the other is a member of the Cherokee Nation, the Herald reported.

Turtle Talk has posted documents from the case, State v. Noble.

Get the Story:
Letts will make decision on jurisdiction for Cherokee murder suspect (The Sylvia Herald 9/19)