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Third suspect arrested in double homicide case in Arden

Third suspect arrested in double homicide case in Arden

Buncombe County Sheriff's Office makes another arrest in Arden double homicide case. Photo: Saga Communications/828NewsNow


ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828NewsNow.com) — A third suspect has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder in the Oct. 24 Arden double homicide investigation, the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office said in a Nov. 2 news release.

According to the sheriff’s office, 19-year-old Joshua Sanchez Ramirez and 27-year-old Darion Armon Smith were found dead from gunshot wounds in a parking lot of Pine Needles Apartments in the early-morning hours of Oct. 24.

After arresting two men last week, the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office said in the Nov. 2 news release that 22-year-old Maurice Montrell Harris Jr. was taken into custody in the afternoon of Nov. 2. Harris was charged with first-degree murder and attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon.

The two others also charged in connection with the investigation were as follows:

  • Keith Harold Mooney Jr., 18: Charged with first-degree murder and attempted robbery. He was taken into custody on Oct. 30 in Atlanta by the Dekalb County Police Department.
  • Tyquan Jahlil Ward, 28: Charged with first-degree murder and attempted robbery. He was taken into custody on Oct. 29.

Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office Maj. John Ledford said this continues to be an active and ongoing investigation.

“Since our deputies responded to the scene, our investigative efforts included a room full of dedicated team members working around the clock who executed multiple search warrants and conducted multiple interviews that led to these arrests,” Ledford said in the release.

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