Buncombe County -- July 6, 2026: Buncombe County authorities have identified Jimmy Lamar Long Jr., 51, as the man found deceased following a house fire on E. Mountain Way in Riceville on June 30. His death has been officially ruled a homicide, prompting an active arson investigation by local law enforcement agencies.
The investigation, initially focused on a fire fatality, has escalated significantly with the determination that Long's death was a homicide. This development has led to a collaborative effort between the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office and the Buncombe County Fire Marshal's Office.
Authorities are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the fire and Long's death. The official ruling of homicide indicates that foul play is suspected, and the subsequent arson investigation suggests the fire itself was intentionally set.
The investigation remains ongoing, with officials continuing to gather information regarding the fatal fire and the events leading to Long's death.