APD Search for Answers in 2021 Murder Case

Asheville -- May 30, 2024: Asheville Police Department Investigators are still seeking answers

in a homicide case in which a man was fatally shot three years ago in a West Asheville business.

Around 1:00 a.m. on May 29th, 2021, Keith Larnel Blair, 31, was fatally shot inside Westville Pub at 777 Haywood Road. Another individual was also shot, but recovered from their injuries. Officers located over 30 shell casings and 7 vehicles with bullet holes.

Following an investigation, Jhakar Horace Davis was identified as being inside the business and armed with a handgun on the night of the shooting. Davis was arrested on charges linked to the unlawful possession of a firearm, but not related to the shooting of Mr. Blair; Davis was later gunned down on July 12, 2021, near the intersection of Biltmore Avenue and Short Coxe Avenue.

Despite ongoing efforts by APD's dedicated detectives, crucial questions remain unanswered, leaving a family shattered and a community searching for resolution. 

“It’s critically important witnesses come forward,” said Capt. Joe Silberman, who oversees Asheville Police Department’s criminal investigations. “Some of the evidence we have comes from forensics we recovered from the scene. That includes nearly 30 shell casings that came from three different firearms. We also recovered two guns."

The Asheville Police Department continues to seek answers to bring closure to his grieving family and implores the community to come forward with any information that could assist in advancing the investigation. Please contact APD at (828) 252-1110. You can also send an anonymous tip using the TIP2APD smartphone application (search “Asheville PD” in your app store) or by texting TIP2APD to 847411.

Image Credit: WNCTimes