ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Buncombe County sheriff’s deputies have made an additional arrest in the homicide investigation of Joseph Rose, authorities said Tuesday.
Avery Kate Deeds, 20, was arrested Tuesday and charged with concealment of an unnatural death, according to the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office. She is being held in the Buncombe County Detention Facility on an $80,000 bond.
The arrest follows an earlier charge filed in the case. On Dec. 19, 2025, Johnathan David Paleno, 21, of Cullowhee, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in Rose’s death. Paleno was taken into custody by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and is being held in the Buncombe County Detention Facility without bond.
Rose was found dead Dec. 12 at about 3:39 p.m. near 69 Gilbert B. Crook Road in Candler. Preliminary autopsy results determined he died from a gunshot wound to the head, authorities said.
District 2 Executive Lt. Doug Underwood said detectives remain committed to the investigation and to providing closure for Rose’s family.
“Their dedication to this case has led to this latest arrest,” Underwood said in a statement.
He added that investigators continue to encourage anyone with information about the case to contact the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office.
