Ernest D. Pheasant, Sr., a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, was sentenced to life imprisonment for the 2013 murder of Marie Walkingstick Pheasant. This significant ruling was made today, as disclosed by Russ Ferguson, the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
U.S. Attorney Ferguson stated, "For over a decade, Marie’s family has endured the pain of losing their loved one without justice. Today, that changed." He emphasized that Ernest Pheasant would face life behind bars for his crime, expressing hope that the sentence provides a sense of justice to the victim's family. He further emphasized, "My Office remains committed to pursuing cases involving missing or murdered indigenous persons no matter how much time has passed."
Marcelino Toersbijns, Chief of the Bureau of Indian Affairs Missing and Murdered Unit (MMU), also weighed in, saying, "While nothing can undo the pain caused by this tragic crime, we hope that this sentence helps to provide closure to the family and friends of Marie Walkingstick Pheasant."
In December 2013, Marie's body was found in a burned-out vehicle on the Qualla Boundary in North Carolina. Investigations revealed the vehicle was set on fire intentionally. The autopsy disclosed that Marie suffered stab wounds. DNA evidence from a cap found near the scene linked Ernest, Marie's estranged husband, to the crime. He was found guilty of first-degree murder for his actions.
The investigation, which reopened in April 2022, was carried out by the MMU and various agencies. On August 16, 2024, Pheasant admitted to the murder, acknowledging it was deliberate and premeditated. The MMU was initially formed as the Cold Case task force under Operation Lady Justice, established in 2019 during President Trump's term.
The investigation involved collaboration among multiple agencies, including the FBI, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and the Cherokee Indian Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex M. Scott prosecuted the case.
Recently, the Justice Department announced an increase in FBI resources for addressing violent crimes in Indian Country, focusing on missing and murdered indigenous persons. Attorney General Pam Bondi noted, "Crime rates in American Indian and Alaska Native communities are unacceptably high." She cited that additional resources and close collaboration with Tribal law enforcement aim to deliver accountability.
FBI Director Kash Patel detailed the measures under Operation Not Forgotten to track violent criminals and address missing cases on tribal lands. U.S. Attorney Ferguson expressed dedication to solving such cases, stating, "No victim will be forgotten, and no crime will go unpunished."
Scott Davis from the Department of the Interior noted, "We appreciate the partnership of the Department of Justice and the FBI in addressing these crimes." He highlighted the commitment to ensuring justice and accountability in Indian Country.
The effort to combat high crime levels continues under Operation Not Forgotten, part of a larger initiative under E.O. 13898 initiated during Trump's presidency. Since its inception, the operation has supported over 500 cases, resulting in significant arrests and recoveries.