Asheville, N.C. – A tragic pre-dawn shooting at a local apartment complex resulted in the death of a 31-year-old man on Friday, marking the city’s seventh homicide this year. Asheville police are actively investigating the incident, which occurred at Hillcrest Apartments along Atkinson Street.
According to authorities, police received a distress call about a gunshot wound at approximately 2:24 a.m. Upon arrival, they discovered Denzel Mcknight suffering from a fatal injury. He was promptly transported to Mission Hospital, where he later succumbed to his wounds.
As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with Mcknight’s death. The Asheville Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division detectives are spearheading the investigation, aiming to piece together the events that led to this violent act.
This latest incident underscores a troubling rise in violence in the area, with this being the seventh homicide recorded in Asheville in 2024 alone. This figure is part of an alarming increase in crime rates that local law enforcement is grappling with.
Community members have been urged to come forward with any information that might help in solving this case. In an effort to facilitate anonymous tips, the department has highlighted that information can be shared via text message by texting TIP2APD to 847411 or through the TIP2APD smartphone application. Residents can also directly contact the Asheville Police Department at 828-252-1110.
The urgency to gather information is critical not only for solving Mcknight’s case but also for preventing future tragedies. As the city grapples with rising violent crime rates, the role of community cooperation becomes ever more crucial. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in curbing violence and ensuring public safety in the region.
Police are calling on residents who might have been witnesses or who might possess any relevant information regarding the circumstances of the shooting to assist in the ongoing investigation. By uniting community and law enforcement efforts, Asheville hopes to find resolution for the bereaved family and friends of Denzel Mcknight and to bring the perpetrator to justice.
The investigation continues as detectives meticulously analyze evidence and pursue leads in what is increasingly becoming a complex case amidst a backdrop of heightened local anxiety over safety.
In the face of this adversity, the community’s resilience and cooperation are being tested. Yet, the collective desire for peace and justice keeps the local spirit determined to confront these challenges head-on.