ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Asheville police are searching for a man believed to have shot and killed a woman Saturday morning.
Officers making a welfare check in the 100 block of South French Broad Avenue around 11 a.m. found Makayla Lashea Harrison, 26, deceased under what officials described as “traumatic circumstances.” Next of kin has been notified.
At this time, the cause of death appears to be the result of a gunshot wound, Asheville police said in a news release. Detectives and forensic technicians were called to the scene and are working with the N.C. Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to determine the circumstances surrounding Harrison’s death.
Detectives believe Darren Lamon Clayton, 34, shot and killed Harrison. Clayton is 6 feet tall and weighs 185 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes, a scar on his left forearm and a pierced left ear.
Police said Clayton should be considered armed and dangerous. If you see him, do not approach him. Call 911 immediately.
Detectives are urging anyone who knows Clayton’s whereabouts or has information related to this case to come forward. Information may be shared anonymously through the TIP2APD smartphone application (search “Asheville PD” in your app store) or by texting TIP2APD to 847411. People may also contact APD directly at 828-252-1110.
This death marks the 11th homicide the Asheville Police Department has investigated in 2024.