ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — More than three months after a shooting on Biltmore Avenue killed two people and wounded seven others, Asheville police say investigators have identified suspects and used more than 100 search warrants and other court processes. But no arrests have been made in the case.
Asheville Police Department spokesman Rick Rice said Thursday, Oct. 22, that investigators have identified several suspects and co-conspirators in the July 19 shooting, which police have linked to four other shootings across Western North Carolina.
“Our investigators and law enforcement partners have been working continuously since the shooting to run down leads in this case and develop new ones,” Rice said in an email to 828newsNOW.
Police have not publicly identified the suspects or said whether arrest warrants have been issued. In August, APD said there were no outstanding arrest warrants in the case. Rice did not say whether that has changed.
More than 100 warrants and court processes
Rice said APD and other law enforcement agencies have used more than 100 search warrants and other court processes, including subpoenas, as part of the investigation.
He could not provide an exact number because multiple agencies are involved.
In August, police reported more than 25 warrants and subpoenas. The latest figure includes other court processes as well.
Investigators previously said they had recovered what they believed was the vehicle used in the shooting and collected physical and digital evidence. Police also sent a potentially important piece of evidence to the FBI laboratory for analysis. The results have not been publicly disclosed.
Shooting linked to four others
The shooting happened shortly after 2 a.m. July 19 in the 250 block of Biltmore Avenue near Short Coxe Avenue.
Lamarius Jones, 22, and Marques Davis Jr., 24, were killed. Seven other people were wounded.
Police have described the shooting as a targeted, retaliatory attack connected to an ongoing conflict.
In September, APD confirmed that investigators had linked the Biltmore Avenue shooting to four others across three jurisdictions in Western North Carolina.
Two of those incidents have been publicly identified: a July 5 shooting at Maple Crest Apartments on Lee Garden Lane and an April shooting in the Hillcrest area.
Charges have been filed in those two cases, and three people have been taken into custody. Police have not said those individuals were involved in the Biltmore Avenue shooting.
Investigators have not publicly identified the other two shootings or explained how the five incidents are connected.
Despite the evidence collected and suspects identified, no one has been arrested specifically in connection with the Biltmore Avenue shooting.
“Our investigators continue to develop and follow new leads,” Rice said. “It remains a very active and open investigation.”
Rice thanked residents who have already provided information and urged anyone who knows something about the shooting to come forward.
“We continue to ask anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to contact us,” he said.
Anyone with information can call Asheville police at 828-252-1110 or submit an anonymous tip through the TIP2APD app.
