Keith Larnel Blair, a 31-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on May 29, 2021, in Asheville, North Carolina. Blair, affectionately known as "Sauce Boss" and "Ryda Black," was a native of Asheville and a 2009 graduate of Asheville High School. He was well-known for his vibrant personality, his love for rapping and dancing, and his dedication to his family and friends.
Blair was a father of two children, Kyus Blair and Blair Campbell, and was deeply cherished by his family and community.
On the night of his death, Blair was fatally shot in a public parking lot behind the Bledsoe Building at 777 Haywood Road in West Asheville. The incident occurred around 1 a.m., and another individual was also shot but survived the injuries. The police recovered more than 30 shell casings and found seven vehicles with bullet holes at the scene. The Asheville Police Department has been actively investigating the case, but crucial questions remain unanswered. Despite the recovery of forensic evidence, including nearly 30 shell casings from three different firearms and two guns, the case remains unsolved.
Jhakar Horace Davis was identified on security camera footage running through Westville Pub with a handgun on the night of the shooting. Davis was arrested on charges related to the unlawful possession of a firearm, but these charges were not directly connected to Blair's murder. Davis was later killed on July 12, 2021, near the intersection of Biltmore Avenue and Short Coxe Avenue. The police have released images of two suspects armed with semi-automatic weapons outside Westville Pub, and they believe the shooting may have been retaliatory. However, no arrests have been made in connection to Blair's murder, and the police continue to seek information from the public to help solve the case.
Blair's family and the Asheville community continue to grieve his loss and hope for justice. The police have urged witnesses to come forward with any information that could help bring Blair's killer to justice. The investigation remains ongoing, and the Asheville Police Department is determined to find answers and provide closure for Blair's family.
