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North Carolina man found guilty of murder in federal trial
- Details
- Parent Category: News
- Category: Social Issues & Criminal Justice
- Published: 20 June 2011
Asheville, North Carolina (AP) June 2011
A member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has been found guilty in federal court of murder in the death of a woman who was shot on the reservation last year.
Federal officials say 33-year-old James Ernest Lespier of Cherokee was found guilty of first-degree murder in the death of Erien Amanda Smith, who was killed May 18, 2010. The verdict was returned after an eight-day trial in Asheville.
Lespier also was found guilty of one count of use of and carrying a firearm in relation to a crime of violence.
The Asheville Citizen-Times reported that Smith was 22 and from Sylva and not a member of the tribe.
A sentencing date has not been set for Lespier, who faces the maximum penalty of life in prison.
A member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has been found guilty in federal court of murder in the death of a woman who was shot on the reservation last year.
Federal officials say 33-year-old James Ernest Lespier of Cherokee was found guilty of first-degree murder in the death of Erien Amanda Smith, who was killed May 18, 2010. The verdict was returned after an eight-day trial in Asheville.
Lespier also was found guilty of one count of use of and carrying a firearm in relation to a crime of violence.
The Asheville Citizen-Times reported that Smith was 22 and from Sylva and not a member of the tribe.
A sentencing date has not been set for Lespier, who faces the maximum penalty of life in prison.