Authorities are working tirelessly to identify those involved in the recent shooting, confident that the act was intentional rather than random.
ASHEVILLE, N.C. — In the early hours of Sunday, a tragic shooting unfolded in downtown Asheville, North Carolina, resulting in two deaths and injuring seven. Police have reasons to believe that this was no random occurrence, as they continue their meticulous investigation.
Around 2:20 a.m., officers from the Asheville Police Department rushed to the 250 block of Biltmore Avenue following reports of gunfire and multiple casualties. Despite the prompt aid from law enforcement, EMS, and the Asheville Fire Department, two individuals succumbed to their injuries at the scene.
Of the seven victims rushed to Mission Hospital, five are reported to be in stable condition, while two remain under intensive medical care, shared APD interim chief Jackie Stepp in an interview with ABC13.
“It seems like after bars and restaurants close, patrons often linger by their cars before heading home—something we’ve observed before in other city areas. It appears that was the scenario here,” explained Stepp.
Detectives and forensic technicians processed what police described as a large crime scene, collecting numerous shell casings and other evidence. Investigators said the shooting may have been connected to a prior gun violence incident.
“We do think that this was not a random act of violence,” Stepp said. “We are going to work diligently and around the clock to identify those responsible and hold them fully accountable for their actions.”
No arrests had been announced as of Sunday afternoon. The investigation is ongoing and no other information is known at this time.