ASHEVILLE, N.C. — The juvenile suspect believed to be responsible for a fatal shooting on Patton Avenue earlier this week has died, according to the Asheville Police Department.
The incident, which occurred in the early morning hours of Monday, March 9, 2026, resulted in the death of 20-year-old William Wyatt Adair.
Police responded to a report of a gunshot victim near the intersection of Patton Avenue and New Leicester Highway at approximately 1:04 a.m. on Monday. Upon arrival, officers discovered Adair, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
Shortly after the discovery, officers located a suspect on New Leicester Highway. As they moved to take him into custody, the juvenile suspect produced a handgun and shot himself in the head.
The suspect was transported to Mission Hospital in critical condition. On Thursday, March 12, officials confirmed that the juvenile had succumbed to his wounds. Investigators believe the individual acted alone in the homicide of Adair. Due to his age, the suspect's name has not been publicly released, though his next of kin has been notified.