APD records: hooded suspect, ‘serious bleeding,’ Gucci bag stolen in Tunnel Road murder
Recently-released officer response notes detail an alleged armed robbery and murder on Tunnel Road on April 18 between two people who law enforcement say might have known each other. Kenneth Maurice West Jr., 24, of Rock Hill, South Carolina, was arrested around 7:45 p.m. on April 18, about four and a half hours after Asheville police responded to reports of a gunshot wound, according to his arrest report. Now, West sits in the Buncombe County Detention Facility under no bond, awaiting a grand jury hearing on May 6, in which his case may be indicted to Buncombe County Superior Court.
What happened that afternoon?
When officers arrived at the 160 block of Tunnel Road at 3:13 p.m., they found a man bleeding out from a gunshot wound to the chest in the parking lot of NTB Tire. The officer response notes show that the victim, Oji Trevon Mitchell, 31, of Columbia, South Carolina, was suffering from “serious bleeding” from multiple wounds. Mitchell was transported to Mission Memorial Hospital in critical condition and was pronounced dead shortly after 3:40 p.m.
A suspect in a black hoodie and black pants was seen running down Tunnel Road toward the Waffle House and carrying a pistol just before 3:15 p.m., according to the notes. The suspect was later identified from surveillance footage, and Detectives were called to assess the evidence. A positive identification was made shortly after 4:17 p.m., and a shell casing was found at the scene behind a car in the parking lot.
Witnesses reported seeing the shooter taking something from the victim’s pocket. The notes also mention a 911 call regarding the incident.
After APD detectives consulted with the Buncombe County District Attorney’s Office, West was charged with first-degree murder and armed robbery.
Suspect’s Arrest
According to his arrest warrant, West threatened Mitchell with a 40-caliber Glock 27 handgun and stole a multicolored Gucci bag, $3,751 US currency, and miscellaneous identity documents totaling $3,900 in value from Mitchell.
Working with South Carolina Law Enforcement
Capt. Joe Silberman stated that police believe it’s possible the two knew each other. Law enforcement in South Carolina assisted in the investigation, and APD is maintaining open lines of communication with them.
Court Appearance
West had a court appearance on April 19 and was assigned public defender Courtney Booth. West works for a construction company in Rock Hill, a town in South Carolina about two hours from Asheville, according to his affidavit of indigency.
Investigation Ongoing
APD’s investigation into the incident is ongoing. Spokesperson Rick Rice said on May 2 that he could not comment on whether there are other suspects as it may jeopardize the investigation.
