ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The Youth Peace & Justice Foundation has withdrawn a previously announced reward tied to the deadly July 19 Biltmore Avenue shooting in Asheville, saying it did not receive a response from city officials about coordinating the offer.
The foundation announced the decision Thursday, July 30, saying money originally set aside for the reward will instead be used for victim assistance, community crisis response and violence prevention efforts.
Foundation representatives said they contacted the Asheville Police Department and city leadership by phone and email after announcing the reward but did not receive a response. The organization said it decided to withdraw the offer rather than risk confusion during an active criminal investigation.
The Asheville Police Department said Friday that the investigation into the July 19 shooting remains active. Investigators said they have identified several suspects and co-conspirators, recovered what they believe is the vehicle used in the shooting and uncovered forensic links to other incidents of gun violence in Western North Carolina.
Police continue to ask anyone with information about the shooting to contact investigators.
The City of Asheville disputed the foundation’s account, saying neither city leadership nor Asheville Police Department leadership received a direct request or communication from the foundation.
“APD encourages residents to contact APD at 828-252-1110 with information about any incident,” city spokesperson Meredith Friedheim said in an email. Residents can also submit anonymous tips through the TIP2APD smartphone application or by texting TIP2APD to 847411.
The reward was announced last week in connection with the July 19 shooting near Biltmore Avenue and Victoria Road that left two people dead and seven others injured.
The Youth Peace & Justice Foundation said it will continue offering support services to people affected by the shooting through its 24-hour Community Crisis Response Initiative. Services include crisis intervention, emotional support, trauma-informed referrals, connections to community resources and possible emergency financial assistance for victims and families.
StopNow patrol initiative to continue
The foundation also said its StopNow Community Patrol Initiative will move forward in Asheville despite what it described as a lack of communication from city officials.
The volunteer-based program is designed to provide an additional community presence around schools and youth gathering areas through observation, de-escalation, relationship building and reporting safety concerns, according to the foundation.
Officials with the organization said the initiative is not intended to replace law enforcement but to provide another layer of community involvement.
The foundation said it is seeking volunteers for a pilot program in Asheville and remains open to working with city officials, police, schools and community groups in the future.
“We remain willing to work with the City of Asheville, the Asheville Police Department, Buncombe County officials, schools, neighborhood organizations and community leaders whenever they are prepared to engage,” foundation founder and president Daniel Chapin said in a statement.
The Youth Peace & Justice Foundation, formerly known as The Uvalde Foundation For Kids, is a national nonprofit organization focused on crisis response, victim advocacy, violence prevention and youth engagement.
Community members affected by the Asheville shooting who need assistance can contact the foundation’s 24-hour response line at 254-499-8027.
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