A gruesome murder took place on the Choctaw Indian Reservation, leaving one tribal member dead.
Bethany Thomas, 27, of the Bogue Chitto Community of the Choctaw Indian Reservation, was accused of stabbing the victim with a knife, resulting in their tragic demise.
The heinous crime occurred in November 2021.
Thomas pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter on May 11, 2023.
In the wake of the indictment, U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi praised the tireless efforts of the Choctaw Police Department of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their diligent investigation.
Assistant United States Attorney Kevin J. Payne and Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian K. Burns prosecuted the case.
Thomas faces a maximum possible penalty of 15 years in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
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Key Facts
- State: Mississippi
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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