Carl Lee Ellington Jr., 24, was shot multiple times at the Spruce Hill Apartments in East Asheville on January 30, 2022. Officers responded to gunshot reports at about 3:38 a.m. on the 100 block of Spruce Hill Lane and found Ellington and another shooting victim, Staekwon Tyjai Taylor; both were taken to Mission Hospital, and Ellington later died of his injuries.

Known as Rod or Flacco Valentino, Ellington was born December 22, 1997, attended Erwin High School where he wrestled, and graduated June 17, 2017. He is survived by his father Carl Lee Ellington Sr., his partner Zianna Hudgins, children K’lenani Hardin-Ellington, Zaven Hudgins and Zylone Ellington, and siblings KeyShaunna and Devonte Ellington. His funeral was held February 12, 2022, at Nazareth First Baptist Missionary Baptist Church, with burial at Violet Hill Cemetery.

A 19-year-old woman, Jalia Love Jones, was arrested the day of the shooting and charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and second-degree trespassing; she was held on $400,000 bond and police said the investigation continued with the possibility of other people being involved. Does anyone have information about that night or about Carl’s life in Asheville?