A Tahlequah resident has pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in connection with a fatal incident that occurred on July 5, 2024. According to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, Colby Lin Deerinwater, also known as Colby Lyn Deerinwater, age 30, admitted guilt to one count of voluntary manslaughter in Indian Country. The offense carries a maximum penalty of up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The prosecution stated that Deerinwater killed the victim during a sudden quarrel or in the heat of passion. The incident took place in Cherokee County within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation.
The case was investigated by several agencies: the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and the Tahlequah Police Department.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Jason A. Robertson accepted Deerinwater’s plea and ordered a presentence investigation report. Sentencing will be determined by a U.S. District Court Judge after reviewing federal sentencing guidelines and other legal factors.
Deerinwater is being held by the United States Marshals Service until sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lewis M. Reagan represented the government in this matter.
