ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Asheville police have executed more than 25 warrants and subpoenas and collected digital evidence as investigators continue working to identify those responsible for the July 19 Biltmore Avenue shooting that killed two people and injured seven others.
Police also say they have identified several suspects and co-conspirators, recovered what they believe is the vehicle used in the shooting and previously linked the case to other incidents of gun violence in Western North Carolina.
The investigation remains active, and police continue to withhold details about the suspects, evidence and circumstances surrounding the shooting.
In response to questions from 828newsNOW, Asheville police said detectives executed more than 25 warrants and subpoenas and collected “valuable digital evidence.” Detectives also conducted multiple interviews during the past week.
Police said one piece of evidence is expected to provide crucial information and is being analyzed by federal partners at the FBI laboratory.
“We anticipate one piece of evidence will provide crucial information, and that item is being analyzed by our federal partners at the FBI lab,” APD said.
Police did not identify the evidence or say what information investigators hope it will provide.
What police have learned
The latest developments build on information APD previously provided to 828newsNOW.
Police said investigators had seized physical and digital evidence, recovered what they believed was the vehicle used in the shooting and identified suspects and co-conspirators.
APD also previously said forensic evidence linked the Biltmore Avenue shooting to other incidents of gun violence in Western North Carolina. Police have not identified those cases or said whether the connections have resulted in additional charges.
Police have previously said the shooting was connected to an ongoing conflict and was not believed to be random.
The shooting happened in the 250 block of Biltmore Avenue near Short Coxe Avenue shortly after 2 a.m. July 19.
Officers responding to reports of gunfire found multiple people suffering from gunshot wounds. Two people died and seven others were taken to Mission Hospital. Two victims were initially reported in critical condition, four were stable and one was treated and released.
APD previously said investigators identified suspects and co-conspirators and linked the Biltmore Avenue shooting to a July 5 shooting at Maple Crest Apartments.
Police arrested 19-year-old Marqua Amryie Lamar Davis in connection with the Maple Crest shooting. APD has not said that Davis has been charged in the Biltmore Avenue shooting.
Investigators have not announced any arrests or charges specifically in connection with the July 19 shooting.
Key questions remain
Despite the new developments, police have not disclosed several details about the case.
APD has not said how many people are suspected of participating in the shooting or whether all of the victims were intended targets or some were bystanders.
Police also have not publicly identified the two people killed in the shooting.
APD previously said investigators recovered a firearm and numerous shell casings from the scene. Police have not said whether additional firearms were used.
The department also has not identified the other Western North Carolina gun violence cases that it previously said were linked to the Biltmore Avenue shooting.
Police said they cannot disclose additional information about the active investigation because doing so could jeopardize the case.
Reward offer
The latest police response also addressed questions surrounding a $5,000 reward offered by the Youth, Peace & Justice Foundation for information leading to arrests in the shooting.
The organization previously said it withdrew the reward after it did not receive a response from city officials.
City staff later investigated the matter and determined that an email intended for specific city employees had been blocked by spam filters and never delivered, according to APD.
APD said the communication was not directed to anyone at the police department.
Discussions are ongoing about next steps, police said.
Police seek information
APD continues to ask anyone with information, photos or video related to the shooting to come forward.
Anonymous tips can be submitted through the TIP2APD smartphone app or by texting TIP2APD to 847411.
Police said they are grateful to community members who have provided tips and new information during the past week.
The investigation remains ongoing.