A reward of up to $25,000 is now being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the death of Barbara E. Preidt, 76, of Shelbyville, IN. She was the victim of an apparent robbery and homicide on Sunday, Sept. 30 around 10pm at the Fairfield Inn & Suites, located at 568 Paint Town Rd.
A reward of up to $25,000 is now being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the death of Barbara E. Preidt who was the victim of a robbery/homicide on Sept. 30 at the Fairfield Inn & Suites. (Photo contributed)
The Cherokee Indian Police Department (CIPD) and the NC State Bureau of Investigations (NCSBI) continue to actively investigate these crimes. CIPD is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of these crimes. A reward of up to $20,000 is also being offered by Barbara’s Family.
Preidt was the mother of seven children, grandmother of twenty grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren, and two (2) great-great grandchildren. She was a retired beautician and owner of Kopy Kat Beauty Shop. She was also the co-owner and officer manager of Landco, a company she and her husband John started.
Preidt and her husband John of fifty years were on their way to visit family in Florida.
Dispatchers received a call Sept. 30 around 9:58pm from a resident of shots being fired near Reuben Taylor Road, an area in close proximity to the Fairfield Inn & Suites.
Responding CIPD Officers found Preidt lying on the ground in front of the Fairfield Inn & Suites. Witnesses stated that the suspect grabbed Mrs. Preidt’s purse and as she struggled to hang on to the purse, the suspect fired the gun at close range fatally wounding her. The suspect then fled and was thought to have left the scene in a light blue or gray full size truck, possibly a Ford or Dodge extended cab. The truck was last seen leaving the parking lot traveling north on US 19.
“We believe the offer of the reward will encourage someone with knowledge of the crime to step forward,” said Chief of PoliceBen Reed.
Investigators are requesting anyone who may have been in the area or who have information to contact Detective Sean Birchfieldat (828) 269-6601 or Cherokee Tribal Dispatch at (828) 497-4131. Information can also be reported to txt-a tip, this service allows for complete anonymity. Text keyword SAFEREZ, then your message to 274637 or (CRIMES). For anonymous WEB reporting, type the following address into your web browser. https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=864
– Cherokee Indian Police Dept.
