Authorities in Buncombe County, North Carolina, say the death of 18-year-old Joseph Rose is now being investigated as a homicide after preliminary autopsy findings prompted investigators to change how the case is classified.
In an update posted Dec. 16, the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office said early autopsy results led investigators to determine Rose’s death should be treated as a homicide. Rose was found deceased on Dec. 12 near 69 Gilbert B. Crook Road in Candler, according to the update.
Rose was reported missing to the Asheville Police Department on Dec. 2, the sheriff’s office said.
His family has said he was last heard from on Nov. 24. Relatives expected him to attend Thanksgiving dinner, but he never arrived and then stopped responding to anyone. His sister, Emily Ivory Rose, previously said the family was struggling to understand what had happened after learning he had been found “in a ditch.”
“He’s just a baby, you know, and he’s just so special,” Emily said at the time. “And I [am] just always worried about him.”
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When Rose was first found, authorities said the circumstances surrounding his death were unclear and under investigation.
In the Dec. 16 update, the sheriff’s office said its Criminal Investigations Division continues to work the case, which is now considered a pending criminal investigation.
“Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office personnel are working to bring answers for Mr. Rose’s family,” BCSO District 2 Captain Chris Stockton said in a statement. “BCSO personnel are committed to finding answers through a thorough investigation. These can take time and we appreciate the continued patience for us to follow through with that process.”
The sheriff’s office said it will share additional updates as more information becomes available.
