ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A tragic death occurred last night in Biltmore Village, where a man was found severely beaten and Jennifer Rose Gerard, 45, was discovered inside her Warren Avenue home deceased from stab wounds. The scene pointed to signs of a burglary.

Around 10:15 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 20, Asheville Police Department officers arrived on Warren Avenue to assist EMS workers with a man who appeared “severely beaten,” APD said in a press release. The victim was transported to Mission Hospital for treatment of serious injuries.

The APD investigation lead to the identification of a suspect, Douglas Michael Stroupe, 32, who was apprehended near the scene. APD was prompted to conduct a welfare check at a Warren Avenue residence, where Rose’s body was found.

According to the APD release, APD detectives and forensic technicians quickly arrived on the scene, where based on collected evidence and witness testimony, authorities charged Stroupe with 1st degree murder, attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury with intent to kill and 1st degree burglary. Stroupe was implicated in both Rose’s death and the beating of the male victim.

Stroupe was booked into the Buncombe County Detention Facility under no bond by a magistrate due to the Pretrial Integrity Act. 

“The Asheville Police Department commends the B-Team nightshift Patrol Officers, whose swift response, conscientiousness, and ardor were critical in containing the suspect and preserving vital evidence at both crime scenes. Their commitment to duty directly contributed to the quick apprehension of a dangerous individual and the rapid progress of this investigation,” APD wrote in the release.

This remains an active and ongoing investigation. If you have any information about this incident, please contact APD at (828) 252-1110. You can also send an anonymous tip using the TIP2APD app or by texting “TIP2APD” to 847411.

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