BCSO Detectives Investigate Fire Death as Homicide

Buncombe County, NC (July 2, 2026) Detectives with the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office are now investigating a fire death as a homicide.

On June 30th, around 6:20 a.m., Patrol Deputies were called to 84 E Mountain Way near the Riceville community to assist Riceville Fire after a man was found deceased during a house fire investigation.

BCSO District 1 Captain Dustan Auldredge: “Detectives responded to the fire scene Tuesday and have conducted interviews. Today we learned of the preliminary autopsy results, and this is now an active criminal investigation. We are working to positively identify the victim, and we are unable to release additional information right now regarding the cause of death. We do not believe there is a threat to the community, and we encourage anyone with information to contact the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office at 250-4462.”