Press release from APD:
Detectives with APD’s Criminal Investigations Division are still searching for answers in a homicide investigation of a man found deceased in a wooded area in central Asheville more than two years ago.
Otis Strickland would have turned 66 years old today.
Investigators are asking for someone to come forward who is willing to provide information as to just what happened when his body was found in a wooded area between Bartlett St. and Lyman St. on Aug. 17, 2019. The medical examiner determined he had been deceased for several weeks at that point, and the cause of death was not immediately known. Investigators initially ruled his death as suspicious, and an extensive examination was begun in partnership with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. They were able to determine that Strickland’s death was a homicide on Sept. 22, 2020.
Asheville Police detectives have been following various leads in both North Carolina and South Carolina.
Strickland, who went by “Preacher,” was 63 years old. He was born on April 21, 1956.
Asheville Police detectives are asking for answers. The family of Otis Strickland is asking anyone with those answers to come forward with information about what happened.
“We want some closure,” said Christopher Strickland, younger brother of Otis. “And the only way we can do that is for someone to say who killed him and why. I hope that happens.”
Christopher, who is less than a year younger than Otis, also remembers his brother as “Button.” That was a nickname his sister gave him when he was younger, because “he was as cute as a button.”
Investigations Captain Joe Silberman, Asheville Police Department, urges anyone with information about what happened to Otis tell what happened.
“The murder of Otis Strickland demands justice, his family deserves closure, and we need your help in solving this case,” Capt. Silberman said. “We believe there are people who know who did this, and we need them to speak up. Our Tip411 is completely anonymous, and your information can help bring answers to a family who has been waiting for nearly three years.”
If you have any information about this case, you can send an anonymous tip by texting TIP2APD to 847411 (TIP411) or use the TIP2APD smartphone app. You can also directly contact APD at (828) 252-1110.
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