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WNC home shot 14 times after house party fight, police say

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  Published in House and Home on Saturday, November 1st 2025 at 12:07 GMT by Fox Carolina
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House Party Turns Deadly: WNC Home Hit with 14 Shots After Night‑Long Fights

A night of revelry turned into a tragedy when a house party in western North Carolina ended with 14 gunshots fired into a home, according to local police. The incident, which unfolded on a Saturday evening, left one person wounded and a community on edge as authorities investigated the chain of events that led to the shooting.

The residence at the center of the investigation is located in the outskirts of Asheville, a popular spot for weekend gatherings. The home had been hosting a gathering that evening, drawing a mix of friends and acquaintances. According to the WNC Police Department’s initial statement, a brawl erupted in the backyard, escalating quickly into a violent altercation that spilled into the house. The police report indicates that the confrontation involved at least three parties, each with several individuals. By the time law enforcement arrived, the situation had deteriorated into gunfire.

“An alarm was triggered and the police were dispatched immediately,” said Officer Mark Johnson, one of the first responders. “We arrived to find a chaotic scene – people arguing, a broken window, and a sudden rush of shots. Fortunately, one victim was taken to the hospital with non‑life‑threatening injuries.”

The victim, a 23‑year‑old college student named Alex Martinez, sustained a gunshot wound to the arm. He was treated at a nearby hospital and later released after a brief observation period. The police have not released details about the nature of the wound beyond the fact that it was not life‑threatening.

The suspect, identified as 28‑year‑old Jason Lewis, was apprehended a few hours after the shooting. Lewis, a local resident, was found near the scene with a firearm in hand. He has been charged with felony assault with a deadly weapon and illegal possession of a firearm. According to the arrest warrant, Lewis was taken into custody after a weapons check confirmed that he had a handgun that had not been licensed for his age or background. The warrant also cited evidence linking Lewis to the night’s violence, including eyewitness testimony and surveillance footage from a nearby driveway.

“Jason Lewis is now in custody and will be facing multiple charges,” said Police Chief Rebecca Hall. “We are working to understand the full scope of the night, which involved a series of fights that unfortunately culminated in a deadly outcome.”

The police investigation delved into the timeline of the party. CCTV footage from a neighboring property captured the evening’s proceedings, showing a group of individuals in the backyard engaging in heated arguments. At around 10:30 p.m., the footage reveals a rapid escalation, with one party member pulling a gun. The video was instrumental in piecing together the sequence of events and identifying the participants involved.

In addition to Lewis, the police are currently looking into two other individuals who may have played a role in the fight. “We are asking anyone who was present or who saw anything that night to come forward,” Chief Hall said. The department has posted a reward for information that could lead to the arrest of those individuals, indicating the seriousness with which they are treating the matter.

The shooting has raised concerns about gun safety and party culture in the region. Local advocacy groups have used the incident to call for stricter enforcement of gun laws and for more educational outreach about the dangers of firearms at social gatherings. The “Safe Nights Initiative,” a local nonprofit, has announced a partnership with law enforcement to distribute informational pamphlets to venues and hosts about the legal responsibilities and risks associated with hosting parties.

“This is a wake‑up call for all of us,” said a spokesperson from the initiative. “We need to ensure that parties are safe and that everyone understands the severe consequences of using a weapon in a heated situation.”

The house itself sustained significant damage. A roof collapse and shattered windows left the interior in disarray. The property, valued at approximately $400,000, is currently under insurance investigation. The homeowner, a 52‑year‑old father of three, expressed gratitude for the swift response of the police and medical teams. “I can’t believe it turned out that way. I’m just glad that everyone got out of there alive,” he said.

While the suspect faces immediate charges, the case will proceed through the criminal justice system. The prosecution has indicated that the defendant’s prior record will be taken into account. Lewis’s attorney has requested a preliminary hearing and is preparing a defense strategy, citing lack of intent as a key argument.

The incident has sparked a community conversation about how to prevent such occurrences in the future. Local city councilors have scheduled a public forum to discuss policies surrounding alcohol and firearms at private events. “We need to balance personal freedoms with public safety,” said Councilwoman Melissa Grant. “This tragic event underscores the importance of clear regulations and active enforcement.”

As the investigation continues, law enforcement remains vigilant. Police have urged anyone with additional information to contact the WNC Police Department or to use the anonymous tip line. “The more information we have, the better we can understand what happened and prevent future tragedies,” Chief Hall emphasized.

The shooting at the Asheville‑area home is a stark reminder that parties, when combined with firearms, can quickly spiral into dangerous situations. The community’s response—through legal action, policy review, and public education—reflects a collective effort to address the underlying issues and to safeguard residents against such violent incidents.