Police Say Fatal Thanksgiving Day Shooting Wasn't An Accident, Arrest Woman

Chatham County police have made an arrest in the Thanksgiving Day shooting death of a Siler City man that took place just outside of Siler City.

The incident, which happened outside of a mobile home, was the result of an argument between two people, police said.

Initially, witnesses told investigators that the shooting was accidental, but when detectives interviewed them separately, their stories were not consistent.

Police say that Patricia Ann Jefferson took a shotgun that was located at her house and fired it after an argument. Charges of second-degree murder have been filed against Jefferson, 34, of 3561 Mount Vernon Hickory Mountain Road, Siler City.

The victim was identified as James Wade Taylor, 63, of 12084 US 64 East, Lot 2, Siler City. Investigators determined that Taylor died from a single gunshot wound to the neck just outside Jefferson's house.

Jefferson was taken into custody after the two-day investigation and was placed in the Chatham County Jail under $50,000 secured bond. Jefferson's first court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday in Chatham County District Court.

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November 26, 2004:

Man Dies After Thanksgiving Day Shooting In Chatham County