911 Call Reveals More About Shooting Death

A 911 call released this week sheds light on the circumstances leading up to the death of beloved community member Lambert Wilson, who was fatally shot October 20th at the El Camino Motel in Cherokee, which he owned. Audio released Monday by Swain County Emergency Management indicates that his death resulted from an altercation with a motel customer who can be heard telling dispatch, “he is pointing a gun at me right now,” before four blasts that sound like gunshots are heard. Wilson’s death certificate states that he sustained gunshot wounds to the neck, arms, chest and abdomen. But, according to document those injuries occurred after the blasts, and the caller is heard saying “oh my God.” Thus far, no charges have been filed in relation to Wilson’s death, which is being investigated as a homicide.