Darrin Sean Tinsley, a 52-year-old man from Candler, North Carolina, was found dead at his home on December 2, 2021. Tinsley, who was known for his big smiles and giving heart, was an Army veteran who loved to DJ karaoke and sing with his friends. He was the son of David S. Tinsley and the late Diane Tinsley. He is survived by his father, stepmother, one son, and one daughter.
The circumstances surrounding Tinsley's death were tragic. He was shot to death at his home off Morgan Cove Road in Candler just after midnight on December 2, 2021. The Buncombe County Sheriff's Office identified Joselynn Faye Mead, a 30-year-old woman from Asheville, as the suspect. Mead was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. She was held at the Buncombe County Detention Facility without bond, meaning she did not qualify for pretrial release. Authorities confirmed that Tinsley and Mead knew each other prior to the shooting.
The investigation revealed that Mead and Tinsley were in a nearly year-long dating relationship and were living together in an above-garage apartment in Candler. On the night of the incident, the couple had been arguing and drinking alcohol after returning home from a karaoke show at Legends Bar and Grill in Maggie Valley. According to evidence presented during the trial, Mead alleged that Tinsley pushed her several times, prompting her to retrieve her 9 mm firearm and warn him not to push her again. When Tinsley pushed her again, Mead shot him once in the chest.
Mead was initially charged with second-degree murder but was later convicted of voluntary manslaughter by a Buncombe County Superior Court jury following a week-long trial. She was sentenced to serve 49-71 months in the custody of the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections.
