Lavar Ahkeem Bailey, a 28-year-old African American male, was tragically shot to death on the night of July 30, 2017, in Asheville, North Carolina. The incident occurred at Pisgah View Apartments, a subsidized housing complex in West Asheville. According to police reports, officers responded to several calls of shots being fired in the vicinity of the 39 Building around 10:40 p.m. Upon arrival, they found Bailey unconscious with a gunshot wound.
He was immediately transported by ambulance to Mission Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Bailey's death marked the fourth shooting at Pisgah View Apartments that year and the second fatality. The Asheville Police Department launched an investigation into the shooting, seeking information from the public to identify any suspects or leads. Despite their efforts, no arrests or suspects have been publicly reported in connection with Bailey's murder.
Bailey's life had been previously documented in a 2014 Citizen-Times series on child and family homelessness. Along with his partner, Tiana Bailey, and their three small children, Bailey had allowed journalists to follow their journey as they navigated the challenges of homelessness while living in a downtown shelter. This tragic end to his life has left a lasting impact on his family and the community.
The investigation into Bailey's death remains open, with the Asheville Police Department continuing to seek any information that could lead to the identification and apprehension of those responsible for this senseless act of violence. The community and law enforcement hope for justice and closure for Bailey's family.
