Asheville, N.C. — Asheville Police are investigating an early morning shooting that left two people dead and seven others injured.
According to the Asheville Police Department, patrol officers responded to the 250 block of Biltmore Avenue around 2:20 a.m. Sunday after receiving reports of shots fired and multiple people struck by gunfire.
When officers arrived, they found multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Despite life-saving efforts by officers, EMS, and Asheville Fire Department personnel, two people were pronounced dead at the scene.
Police said seven additional victims were taken to Mission Hospital for treatment.
The extent of their injuries has not been released.
Detectives and forensic technicians responded to process what police described as a large crime scene, collecting numerous shell casings and other evidence.
Investigators say evidence developed so far indicates the shooting may have been related to a prior gun violence incident.
During the investigation, Biltmore Avenue near Short Coxe Avenue and Short Coxe Avenue to Southside Avenue were closed but have since reopened.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Asheville Police Department at (828) 252-1110.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the TIP2APD smartphone application by searching “Asheville PD” in the app store or by texting TIP2APD to 847411.
This story will be updated as we learn more.
