Update from Asheville Police Department:
UPDATE (May 9, 2020): The Asheville Police Department has identified the two victims and made notification to their families. Javon Malik Brown (23), of Asheville, and Deonte James Ellison (19), of Arden, succumbed to injuries as a result of gunshot wounds.
The Asheville Police Department has identified two persons of interest in this case. The investigation into these incidents is ongoing at that time.
Press release from Asheville Police Department:
Asheville, NC (May 9, 2020): At approximately 9:15 pm on May 8, 2020, the Asheville Police Department (APD) responded to a report of a victim suffering from gunshot wounds in the parking lot of the Wendy’s restaurant (585 Merrimon Avenue). Upon arrival officers located a 23 year old Asheville resident suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The victim succumbed to their injuries on scene.
A short time later, as officers were canvassing the area, they encountered a vehicle crash at the intersection of Merrimon Avenue and Chestnut Street. The vehicle struck some type of fixed object near the intersection, and no other vehicles were involved in the crash. The officers found a passenger seriously injured inside the car, and they were transported to Mission Hospital. Shortly after arriving at the hospital, the passenger, a 19 year old resident of Arden, passed away. He was found to have sustained at least one gunshot wound.
A preliminary investigation shows that both victims received their wounds while inside of the vehicle at the Wendy’s restaurant on Merrimon Avenue. Following the shooting, one of the victims was removed from the car prior to it fleeing from the scene. After interviewing a number of witnesses to the crash, detectives learned that the driver of the vehicle and a passenger fled the scene on foot.
Several members of the Criminal Investigations Section responded to assist in the investigation, which is ongoing. Officers with the Traffic Safety Unit are assisting detectives with the investigation surrounding the circumstances of the crash. The two persons that fled the scene of the crash are still being sought by the APD.
If anyone has information concerning these incidents they are encouraged to contact us at 828-252-1110.
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