UPDATE: Asheville Police Department detectives, in consultation with the Buncombe County District Attorney’s Office, have charged Kenneth Lontrell Christian, 41, with first-degree murder.
The victim has been identified as Carly Elizabeth Johnson, 50, following notification of her next of kin.
Christian was booked into the Buncombe County Detention Facility under a no-bond order issued by a magistrate.
This marks the fourth homicide investigated by the Asheville Police Department in 2025. Authorities said the case remains under investigation.
Anyone with information about this incident or other violent crimes is urged to contact APD at (828) 252-1110. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the TIP2APD smartphone app or by texting TIP2APD to 847411.
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ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Asheville police are investigating an early-morning death on Interstate 26 East that left one person dead.
Officers responded around 3:23 a.m. Tuesday to a report of a disabled motorist near Exit 33 (NC 191/Brevard Road). Upon arrival, they found the passenger had suffered serious assault injuries. The driver of the vehicle was taken into custody after officers negotiated with them. The passenger was pronounced dead at the scene.
Detectives and forensic technicians are treating the incident as a homicide. Authorities have not released the identities of the victim or the suspect, pending notification of next of kin and the filing of charges.
Police ask anyone with information to contact the Asheville Police Department at 828-252-1110. Anonymous tips can be sent by texting TIP2APD to 847411 or through the TIP2APD smartphone app.
The investigation prompted a lane closure on I-26 East near Brevard Road.