Lambert Gaines Wilson, 68, died of gunshot wounds on October 20, 2022, at the El Camino Motel in Cherokee, North Carolina, which he owned. The N.C. Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled his death a homicide. The autopsy noted gunshot wounds to the neck, arms, chest, and abdomen and a significant concentration of alcohol in his blood.

Reports say the shooting followed an altercation between Wilson and a motel customer who told a 911 dispatcher that Wilson attacked them and pointed a gun at them; four gunshots are audible on the call. The Cherokee Indian Police Department has acknowledged an incident that night but has not confirmed further details. No arrests or public suspect identifications have been announced and the investigation is ongoing.