News

Woman pleads guilty, gets at least 5 years in Asheville murder

Woman pleads guilty, gets at least 5 years in Asheville murder

Erika Denise Frisby Photo: Contributed/Buncombe County Sheriff's Office


ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A woman charged in connection with a 2023 Asheville homicide pleaded guilty Monday to helping conceal the crime.

Erika Denise Frisby, 24, entered a guilty plea in Buncombe County Superior Court to accessory after the fact to second-degree murder in the death of 27-year-old Jeruan Spencer. Judge Alan Thornburg sentenced her to 60 to 84 months in the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction — a minimum of five years in custody.

Spencer’s body was discovered in August 2023 in a wooded area off McKinney Road. Investigators determined he had been shot while inside a vehicle on Haywood Road in West Asheville.

Frisby was initially charged with second-degree murder after a warrant was issued in May 2025. Authorities later concluded her role was limited to destroying evidence after Spencer’s killing.

Javorie Ammon Thompson, 26, pleaded guilty last month to second-degree murder and was sentenced to between 143 and 184 months in prison.

Recent Headlines

14 hours ago in Lifestyle, Local, Outdoors

Hikes of WNC: Haw Creek Valley Overlook

A visit to the Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway is not truly complete without a hike up to Haw Creek Valley Overlook. The 4.8 mile out-and-back is a narrow but beautiful ascent to a stunning mountaintop view.

1 day ago in Arts & Culture, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Local, Perspectives

‘Predator: Badlands’ is a real good time – 828reviewsNOW

"Predator: Badlands" is the first of the sci-fi franchise to tell a story from the perspective of the titular alien warriors, but the latest in a recent run of terrific "Predator" movies. Dan Trachtenberg's follow-up to "Prey" and "Predator: Killer of Killers" is a whole lot of fun. Read our review for more.