ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation said it has arrested three people in connection with a Madison County death investigation that also uncovered an unrelated child sexual abuse material case.
The investigation began after Christian Tyler Jamerson was found dead inside a residence in Mars Hill, according to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.
As investigators worked with the Mars Hill Police Department to determine the circumstances surrounding Jamerson’s death, authorities said they developed evidence leading to criminal charges.
Joni Leann Massey, 35, and Jesse Nathan Minter, 39, were each charged with death by distribution in connection with Jamerson’s death, the SBI said.
In a separate development, at the request of the Madison County District Attorney’s Office, investigators said they uncovered evidence involving child sexual abuse material tied to a third individual.
Based on that evidence, the SBI charged Michael Scott “Biggs” Buckner, 36, of Mars Hill, with statutory rape of a child 15 years of age or younger.
All three defendants are being held without bond pending their first appearances in district court.
The SBI said it was assisted in the investigation by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office and Mars Hill police.