Department Detectives have consulted with the Buncombe County District Attorney’s Office and charged Kenneth Lontrell Christian (06/06/1984) with First Degree Murder.
Detectives are releasing the name of the victim, Carly Elizabeth Johnson (06/14/1975), following the next of kin being notified of her passing.
Christian was booked into the Buncombe County Detention Facility under NO BOND (ineligible for release) issued by a magistrate.
This is the 4th homicide investigated by the Asheville Police Department this year.
This case remains under investigation. If you have any information about this incident or any other violent crime, please contact APD at (828) 252-1110. You can also send an anonymous tip using the TIP2APD smartphone application (search “Asheville PD” in your app store) or by texting TIP2APD to 847411.
Editor's Note: A criminal charge is an accusation, by law, a person accused of a crime is innocent until proven in a court of law.
Below is the original Press Release from earlier this morning:
Asheville Police Department Detectives are investigating an early Tuesday morning homicide that has left one dead.
Officers responded to a report of a disabled motorist on I-26 East, at exit 33, around 3:23 a.m. on September 23rd. Upon arrival, officers discovered the passenger was a victim of a serious assault. After negotiation, the driver exited the vehicle and was taken into custody. The victim succumbed to their injuries on scene.
Detectives and Forensic Technicians are investigating this incident as a homicide. Information on the identity of the victim is currently being withheld until detectives complete next-of-kin notification. The identity of the suspect is being withheld until charges are filed.
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