Adrian Romero-Valdez, a 19-year-old male from Asheville, North Carolina, tragically lost his life on June 4, 2022. Adrian, who was of Hispanic descent, was a beloved member of his community, known for his faith, humor, and bravery. He worked as a painter and at Blaze Pizza, and was deeply cherished by his family, including his parents Laura Valdez and Omar Romero, his siblings Omar Jr., Daisy, Victoria, and Karen Romero, and his extended family.
On the afternoon of June 4, 2022, Adrian
Romero-Valdez and another individual, Ahmed Deshawn Shivers, were fatally shot at the Woodridge Apartments in West Asheville. The incident occurred just after 2 p.m., and both victims were pronounced dead at the scene from gunshot wounds. The Asheville Police Department responded to the scene and began an investigation into the double homicide.
The APD has identified persons of interest in the case, and the investigation is ongoing. The police have stated that the incident does not appear to be a random act of violence, suggesting that the victims may have been targeted. The community has been urged to provide any information that could assist in the investigation, with anonymous tips being accepted through the TIP2APD smartphone application or by texting TIP2APD to 847411.
The deaths of Adrian Romero-Valdez and Ahmed Deshawn Shivers marked the seventh and eighth homicides in Asheville in 2022. The families of both victims have been deeply affected by the tragedy, with Adrian's mother, Laura Valdez Escalante, expressing her grief and calling for an end to the violence. The APD continues to work diligently to bring justice to the families of the victims and to ensure the safety of the community.
