Thomas Pheasant Jr. Passed Away and Memorial Notice: Individual Fatally Shot in Cherokee Incident, Remains Discovered Close to Newfound Gap

 Thomas Pheasant Jr. Passing and Memorial – The Cherokee community in North Carolina is grieving the untimely passing of Thomas Pheasant Jr., who was tragically killed in December 2025 in a shooting that has led to an in-depth criminal inquiry by the Cherokee Indian Police Department (CIPD). This incident has deeply unsettled residents throughout the area, raising significant alarms regarding violent behavior and the need for responsibility.

Details Regarding the Passing

Official accounts from the CIPD indicate that Thomas Pheasant Jr. suffered several gunshot injuries during an occurrence at a home on Galimore Road in Cherokee. Investigators found that the shooting occurred within the residence, where Pheasant Jr. was severely hurt. Instead of calling for emergency medical help, authorities claim that those involved removed his body from the scene.

Law enforcement later found that Pheasant Jr.’s remains had been moved and discarded near Newfound Gap, a secluded spot in the Great Smoky Mountains region. His body was eventually retrieved by police personnel, confirming that the shooting was fatal. This discovery marked a sorrowful shift in the investigation and heightened the urgency to locate and apprehend those responsible.

Detentions and Legal Accusations

Following a thorough inquiry, the CIPD reported several arrests related to the passing of Thomas Pheasant Jr. Timothy Jason McCoy, 34, faces charges including first-degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and assault with a firearm. Authorities claim that McCoy was significantly involved in the deadly shooting.

Furthermore, Derrick Jenkins and Victoria Thompson have also been taken into custody and charged with being accessories after the fact and hindering governmental operations. Investigators suspect that these individuals took actions post-shooting to hide the crime and obstruct law enforcement efforts.

All allegations are considered unproven, and the accused individuals are regarded as innocent until proven guilty in a court setting.

Continuing Investigation

The Cherokee Indian Police Department has confirmed that the inquiry is still ongoing. Detectives are actively pursuing leads, analyzing evidence, and conducting interviews to ensure all participants are held responsible. Law enforcement officials have appealed to the public for any information that might aid the case.

Individuals with pertinent information are encouraged to reach out to the CIPD at (828) 497-4131.

Honoring Thomas Pheasant Jr.

Aside from the ongoing investigation, the loss of Thomas Pheasant Jr. signifies a profound grief for his relatives, friends, and the larger Cherokee community. While specific biographical details have not been publicly disclosed, those who were acquainted with him remember him as a cherished person whose life was cut short due to pointless violence. His death has left his loved ones struggling with sorrow while they search for justice and closure.

As the judicial proceedings progress, the community continues to mourn the loss of Thomas Pheasant Jr. and hopes that accountability will provide some comfort to those impacted by this heartbreaking event.