Madison County -- June 24, 2026: News Release Madison County Sheriff's Office: A joint investigation conducted by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and the Mars Hill Police Department has resulted in the arrest of three individuals on felony charges.
The investigation began after Christian Tyler Jamerson was found deceased inside a residence in Mars Hill. As investigators worked to determine the circumstances surrounding his death, evidence was developed that led to multiple criminal charges.
As a result of the investigation, Joni Leann Massey (DOB: 08/27/1990) of Forks of Ivy Road and Jesse Nathan Minter (DOB: 05/16/1987) of Buncombe County were each charged with Death by Distribution in connection with Jamerson’s death.
During the course of the investigation, investigators also discovered evidence involving child sexual abuse material that was linked to a previous investigation conducted by the Mars Hill Police Department in July of 2025. Based on evidence obtained, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation charged Michael Scott “Biggs” Buckner (DOB: 04/18/1990) of Mars Hill with Statutory Rape of a Child 15 Years of Age or Younger.
All three individuals are currently being held without bond pending their first appearance before a district court judge.
"These cases demonstrate the importance of persistence in law enforcement investigations," said Sheriff Buddy Harwood. "Our investigators remained committed to following every lead and pursuing the facts wherever they led. Through teamwork, diligence, and an unwavering commitment to justice, we were able to uncover critical evidence and hold those responsible accountable.”