Asheville -- September 29, 2026: Buncombe County District Attorney Todd Williams announced Monday that Asheville police officers acted lawfully and were justified in using deadly force during a fatal encounter outside a downtown bar this past summer. No criminal charges will be filed against the officers involved.
The decision follows an independent investigation by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) into the death of 26-year-old Arturo Castillo-Palomar of Saluda. Castillo-Palomar died at the scene outside Shakey’s Bar, located at 38 North French Broad Avenue, in the early morning hours of July 15.
In a formal release issued Sept. 28, Williams stated that his decision came after an exhaustive review of evidence, including recordings from officers' body-worn cameras and surveillance footage recovered from the venue.
"Based on my personal review of this matter including review of body worn camera video and video obtained from the business, I have determined that no violation of North Carolina law occurred," Williams stated. "Consequently, criminal charges should not be initiated against any officer involved in this use of deadly force in defense of self and others."
The incident unfolded shortly after 1:00 a.m. on July 15, when Asheville Police Department officers were dispatched to Shakey’s Bar for a reported civil disturbance. Callers reported an armed man behaving aggressively toward bar staff.
While patrol units were en route, emergency dispatch updates and radio logs confirmed escalating danger, warning responding officers that approximately 10 gunshots had already been fired in the parking area outside the establishment. Upon arrival, officers engaged Castillo-Palomar, resulting in the fatal exchange of gunfire.
With the District Attorney's legal review now finalized, the case is officially closed without prosecution against the involved officers.