Asheville, North Carolina, August 14, 2025
News Summary
Brenda McCutcheon, wife of plastic surgeon Frank ‘Buddy’ McCutcheon Jr., has been indicted for first-degree murder after his shocking death in 2016. Frank was found fatally shot in their home, leading to an investigation revealing serious financial troubles. Brenda’s behavior after the incident and circumstantial evidence contributed to her arrest and conviction, resulting in a life sentence without parole, despite her claims of innocence.
Asheville, North Carolina – Brenda McCutcheon, the wife of well-known plastic surgeon Frank “Buddy” McCutcheon Jr., has been indicted on charges of first-degree murder following her husband’s shocking death in 2016. Frank McCutcheon, aged 64, was fatally shot in his sleep on July 16 of that year, prompting an investigation that has revealed troubling details about the couple’s financial situation and their relationship.
Frank McCutcheon was found with a gunshot wound to the head while resting on the couch at their home. Brenda, who was upstairs at the time, reported hearing a loud noise akin to thunder and rushed downstairs to find her husband bleeding. Initially, Brenda sought help from a neighbor but returned to the house to call 911 after receiving no answer. Local deputies arrived to discover Buddy’s lifeless body, and the absence of an exit wound led investigators to rule out suicide.
During the investigation, a small handgun, believed to belong to the couple, was discovered hidden among ivy near their residence. While Brenda underwent a gunshot residue test, results showed no residue on her hands but a small amount on her clothing. Authorities noted that nothing appeared to have been stolen from their home, raising further questions about the circumstances surrounding Buddy’s death.
Brenda McCutcheon initially expressed disbelief regarding who might want to harm her husband, speculating that it could have been the work of a “junkie” given the couple’s community involvement and reputation. They had been married for over 30 years and were active in local events such as Civil War reenactments and music festivals while operating a successful cosmetic surgery practice.
However, complications arose as authorities later revealed that their practice was under investigation for embezzlement and tax issues, with $385,000 owed to the IRS. Just days before Buddy’s death, the North Carolina Department of Revenue had requested their payroll records and tax returns, indicating increasing financial pressures. Brenda’s behavior following her husband’s death raised eyebrows, especially when she was observed disposing of practice records days later.
Detectives uncovered inconsistencies in Brenda’s claims regarding the state of the back door, which Buddy had warned family members to keep locked due to local wildlife threats, such as bears. Despite the lack of direct forensic evidence, investigators built a circumstantial case against her.
Brenda McCutcheon was arrested in Tennessee following her indictment. The trial commenced in January 2020, where prosecutors argued that financial strains and resentment towards her husband served as potential motives for the crime. Ultimately, Brenda was convicted of murder and received a life sentence without the possibility of parole. Throughout the legal proceedings, she has maintained her innocence in the murder of her husband.
FAQs
What were the details of Frank McCutcheon’s death?
Frank McCutcheon was found shot in the head while sleeping on his couch. His wife Brenda reported hearing a loud noise and found him bleeding when she came downstairs.
Why was Brenda McCutcheon charged with murder?
Brenda was indicted due to circumstantial evidence, including their financial issues and her behavior following Frank’s death, although no direct forensic evidence linked her to the crime.
What was the outcome of Brenda McCutcheon’s trial?
Brenda McCutcheon was convicted of murder in January 2020 and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
What was the couple’s financial situation at the time of the murder?
At the time of Frank’s death, their medical practice was under investigation for embezzlement and they owed $385,000 to the IRS.
What did Brenda do after her husband’s death?
Brenda initially sought help from a neighbor and later called 911 after returning home. Her actions afterward, including disposing of practice records, raised suspicion among investigators.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Frank “Buddy” McCutcheon Jr., 64, Plastic Surgeon |
| Incident Date | July 16, 2016 |
| Charges | First-degree murder against Brenda McCutcheon |
| Financial Issues | Practice under investigation; $385,000 debt to IRS |
| Trial Outcome | Convicted of murder; sentenced to life in prison |
| Brenda’s Claim | Maintains innocence |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Oxygen: Brenda McCutcheon Kills Husband Frank “Buddy” McCutcheon Jr.
- WCNC: Dateline 2016 Murder of Prominent Asheville Plastic Surgeon Dr. Frank “Buddy” McCutcheon
- WXII12: Year Later, Wife Charged in Plastic Surgeon’s Death
- NBC News: Dateline Episode – The Day the Music Died
- Wikipedia: Frank McCutcheon
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
