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Victim identified in house fire homicide investigation

Victim identified in house fire homicide investigation

Photo: Saga Communications/828newsNOW


ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A man found dead in a Riceville home last week has been identified. The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office has partnered with the Buncombe County Fire Marshal’s Office on an arson investigation.

According to the BSCO, the victim was 51-year-old Jimmy Lamar Long, Jr. Long’s body was discovered on Tuesday, June 30, at the site of a house fire at 84 E. Mountain Way in Riceville.

Investigators classified Long’s death as a homicide after receiving preliminary autopsy results on Thursday, July 2. The case is currently an active criminal investigation.

BCSO stated that they will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. No ongoing threat to the public is suspected.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office at (828) 250-4462.

Read our previous reporting on this story here.

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