Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Double Homicide at Recording Studio in West Asheville
On December 22, a tragic incident occurred at a music recording studio on Leicester Highway in West Asheville, resulting in a double homicide. The incident began as an armed robbery that escalated into a gunfight, leading to the deaths of two individuals.
Arrest Made in Connection to Double Homicide
Recently, Asheville police charged a 19-year-old man, Rontae La-Warren Harper, with first-degree murder, first-degree kidnapping, and attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon in connection to the shooting death of Chase Christian Vanleeuwen. Harper was taken into custody on March 6 and is currently being held at Buncombe County Detention Facility.
Details of the Incident
Officers responded to a 911 call reporting a robbery and suspected shooting at the recording studio late on the night of December 22. Upon arrival, they found one individual deceased from a gunshot wound to the head and discovered several firearms inside the building. Another victim, Marckia Ornette Jones, was dropped off at Mission Hospital with a gunshot wound to the chest and tragically passed away during emergency surgery.
Additional Arrest in February
In February, detectives also charged Tristin Marquese Maewether with first-degree murder, first-degree kidnapping, and robbery with a dangerous weapon in connection to the death of Chase Christian Vanleeuwen. The investigation into the incident is still ongoing.
Appeal for Information
If anyone has any information about this double homicide or any other illegal activities, they are encouraged to share it anonymously by texting TIP2APD to 847411 or by contacting the Asheville Police Department directly at 828-252-1110.
Ryley Ober is the Public Safety Reporter for Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at rober@gannett.com and follow her on Twitter @ryleyober
.