Police have released several photos of the individuals and a vehicle believed to be involved. The vehicle appears to be a Chrysler minivan. Officials noted that one person in the images was edited out after being determined not to be involved in the case.

Bell noted the high cost of electronic monitoring. “Some of the systems are $30 a day,” he said. “Even if they’re ordered to pay, I suspect two-thirds of them won’t be able to.” He added that it remains unclear whether defendants who cannot pay would return to jail or whether the state would cover the cost. “Those are questions that nobody has thought about what the answer is,” Bell said.

Law enforcement: The Sheriff’s Office handled 208 calls, while police in Forest City, Lake Lure, Rutherfordton, and Spindale collectively fielded 321 calls, reflecting a surge in law enforcement activity.

Following interviews, evidence review, and consultation with the District Attorney’s Office, investigators identified Chad Ledbetter as a suspect. Warrants were issued on October 3, 2025, for Death by Distribution and Sell or Deliver a Controlled Substance.

Deputies from the Road Patrol Division and Investigations Division, along with the Sheriff, canvassed the area around midday and identified two juveniles as suspects. Evidence was collected linking them to the reported crimes, and interviews were conducted.