Buncombe County -- October 26, 2026: Authorities have released the names of two men found dead early Saturday morning following a reported shooting in southern Buncombe County.
According to the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, patrol deputies were dispatched around 12:20 a.m. on October 24 to the area of Pine Needle Drive, located in Arden near the Henderson County line, following reports of a gunshot wound.
Upon arrival, deputies discovered two deceased men suffering from gunshot wounds. Following notification of next of kin, investigators officially identified the victims as:
Joshua Sanchez Ramirez, 19
Darion Armon Smith, 27
The incident is actively being investigated as a homicide by the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division. Authorities have not yet released details regarding potential suspects, motives, or whether any arrests have been made.
Investigators are asking anyone who lives in the area or who may have witnessed suspicious activity, heard gunshots, or captured relevant home security footage around the time of the shooting to contact the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office at (828) 250-6670 or submit an anonymous tip through the BCSO mobile app.