A federal grand jury has indicted a man from Vinita in connection with a deadly shooting in northeast Oklahoma. Authorities say the case involves a violent home invasion that left one man dead and another person injured.
The charges were filed in federal court because the alleged crime took place in Indian Country.
Who Is Charged?
Terry Joe Hicks, 34, has been charged in U.S. Federal Court with multiple serious crimes, including:
- First-degree murder
- First-degree burglary
- Assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm
- Carrying, using, brandishing and discharging a firearm during a crime
All charges are listed as occurring in Indian Country.
Hicks is a member of the Wyandotte Nation, which places the case under federal jurisdiction.
What Happened in Grove?
According to court records, the incident happened at a home in Grove.
Authorities say Hicks had previously lived at the residence with his former girlfriend. After their breakup, she reportedly told him not to return to the home.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Allegation |
|---|---|
| April 13 | Hicks allegedly tried to break in; left before police arrived |
| April 17 | Shooting incident occurred |
On April 17, investigators allege Hicks arrived at the home before 8 a.m. The former girlfriend and her new partner, Robin Sharp, were asleep in the bedroom.
Police say Hicks removed an air-conditioning unit from the window and fired a gunshot into the bedroom. He then allegedly entered through the opening and fired again, striking Sharp in the stomach.
What Police Say Happened Next
According to the federal criminal complaint:
- The former girlfriend tried to stop Hicks
- She was allegedly thrown to the ground, breaking her finger
- Hicks and Sharp struggled
- Hicks allegedly stomped on Sharp and fired another shot
Investigators reported finding a holstered firearm in the bedroom that belonged to Sharp.
Sharp was flown by helicopter to a hospital in Tulsa. He later went into cardiac arrest and died.
Why the Case Is in Federal Court
The charges are being handled in federal court because the crime occurred in Indian Country and involves a tribal member.
Under federal law, certain serious crimes involving Native American individuals on tribal land fall under federal jurisdiction rather than state court.
What Happens Next?
Hicks is scheduled to return to court on June 1.
If convicted, first-degree murder in federal court carries severe penalties, including the possibility of life in prison.
As with all criminal cases, Hicks is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Community Reaction and Legal Process
Cases involving domestic disputes that escalate into violence often have a deep impact on communities. This case has drawn attention not only because of the serious charges but also because it involves complex jurisdictional rules tied to tribal membership and Indian Country laws.
Prosecutors will now move forward with presenting evidence in federal court. Defense attorneys will have the opportunity to challenge the charges and evidence.
The court proceedings in the coming weeks will determine how the case progresses and whether it moves toward trial or another legal resolution. For now, the focus remains on the legal process and the serious allegations outlined in the federal indictment.
