ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Three days after a downtown Asheville shooting left two people dead and seven others wounded, investigators say the case remains active, but many of the questions most important to the public remain unanswered.

The Asheville Police Department has confirmed that detectives are investigating the early Sunday morning shooting in the 250 block of Biltmore Avenue. Officers responded around 2:20 a.m. after reports of shots fired and found multiple people suffering from gunshot wounds.

Two people were pronounced dead at the scene. Seven others were transported to Mission Hospital. Police later said two victims remain in critical condition, four are in stable condition and one person was treated and released.

Investigators say they have recovered one firearm and numerous shell casings, collected multiple pieces of evidence and continue to review witness statements, surveillance video and other evidence.

But beyond those facts, police have released few details about what happened, who was responsible or whether those responsible have been identified.

Although police indicated next-of-kin notifications had been completed, the department later said it is withholding the identities of the two people who were killed because releasing their names “would threaten the personal safety of additional victims and may compromise the ongoing criminal investigation.”

What police have confirmed

  • Officers responded to reports of shots fired at about 2:20 a.m. Sunday in the 250 block of Biltmore Avenue.
  • Two people were killed.
  • Seven others were injured.
  • Two victims remain in critical condition, four are stable and one was treated and released.
  • Detectives recovered one firearm and numerous shell casings.
  • The shooting occurred shortly after Dalton Distillery had closed. The crime scene included Biltmore Avenue and a parking lot adjacent to the business, but investigators have not said whether the distillery or its patrons were connected to the shooting.
  • Detectives continue to seek witnesses and are asking anyone with information, photos or video to contact investigators.

What investigators have not said

Who fired the shots?

Police have not identified any suspects or persons of interest.

Investigators have not said whether they believe the people responsible were among those found at the scene, whether they were among the wounded, whether they fled before officers arrived or whether any suspects remain at large.

Instead, APD said detectives “continue to review all available evidence and are working to identify suspects.”

How many shooters were involved?

Despite numerous shell casings being recovered, investigators have not said whether they believe one person or multiple people opened fire.

When asked how many shooters were involved, APD said that determination would come as the investigation continues.

Were bystanders shot?

Police have not said whether everyone who was struck was involved in the incident or whether some victims were caught in the crossfire.

Asked whether any of the victims were believed to be bystanders, APD said only that the investigation remains active.

What started the shooting?

Police initially said evidence indicated the shooting “may have been related to a prior gun violence incident.”

When asked what previous incident investigators were referring to, APD said detectives are still working to determine whether the shooting is connected to any earlier acts of gun violence.

Investigators also have not said what led to the shooting or whether those involved knew one another.

How many guns were used?

Police have confirmed recovering one firearm but have not said whether investigators believe additional firearms were involved.

Witnesses told 828newsNOW they believed they heard what sounded like a Draco-style firearm being fired repeatedly. Police have not confirmed those accounts or identified the type of firearm recovered.

Are there additional crime scenes?

828newsNOW asked police about reports that multiple vehicles were seized and whether investigators were processing additional locations connected to the shooting.

APD did not confirm those reports, saying only that investigators recovered multiple items of evidence and could not release additional details while the investigation remains active.

Why are the victims’ names still being withheld?

Police have not identified the two people killed despite confirming that next-of-kin notifications have been completed.

Instead, the department said releasing the names at this time could threaten the safety of additional victims and compromise the ongoing investigation. Police have not elaborated on those concerns.

Investigation continues

APD has repeatedly said it is limiting what information it releases because of the ongoing homicide investigation.

Detectives continue to ask anyone who witnessed the shooting or has photos, videos or other information to contact the Asheville Police Department at (828) 252-1110. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the TIP2APD smartphone application or by texting TIP2APD to 847411.

Until investigators identify suspects or make arrests, many of the most significant questions surrounding the shooting — including who fired the shots, how many people were involved, whether innocent bystanders were among the victims and whether those responsible remain at large — remain unanswered.