News Summary
A man named John Blodgett has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder following the death of Jodi Anderson, whose body was found at a gas station in Asheville, N.C. The incident happened after a reported fight, and Blodgett faces additional charges of robbery with a dangerous weapon. The local community has expressed concern over public safety, and authorities are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the case, emphasizing that it appears to be an isolated incident.
Asheville, N.C. – Man Charged with First-Degree Murder in Gas Station Death
A man has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder following the death of a woman found at a gas station in Asheville, North Carolina. The suspect, identified as John Blodgett, 54 years old, was taken into custody shortly after the incident, which occurred on Monday, July 14, 2025, at the Shell gas station located at 4012 Sweeten Creek Road.
Deputies from the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) responded to a call about a fight just before 7 a.m. Upon arriving at the scene, they discovered the body of the victim, who has been identified as Jodi Anderson. Following initial investigations, officers apprehended Blodgett at a nearby Walmart on Airport Road.
In addition to first-degree murder, Blodgett faces charges of robbery with a dangerous weapon. This case has sparked significant concern within the local community, prompting District 1 Captain Dustan Auldredge to assure the public that the incident was isolated and that there is no ongoing threat.
Investigation Underway
Authorities are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding Anderson’s death. Investigators are focusing on evidence collected from the scene and the surrounding area to ascertain the cause of death. At this time, the specific details regarding how Anderson lost her life have not been disclosed.
Captain Auldredge expressed his condolences to Anderson’s family, describing the loss as “unimaginable.” This tragedy has resonated deeply with community members as they process the sudden and violent nature of Anderson’s death.
Court Proceedings
John Blodgett made his first court appearance on Tuesday in Buncombe County District Court. During this initial hearing, details regarding his charges were presented. His next court appearance is scheduled for August 5, 2025, where further proceedings will continue as the investigation unfolds and more information becomes available.
Contextual Background
The incident at the gas station is part of a troubling trend in violent crime within many communities across the United States. While Asheville has generally enjoyed a reputation as a safe and welcoming city, the recent event has raised concerns about public safety. Law enforcement agencies continue to work diligently to address crime and keep residents informed about ongoing investigations.
The discovery of Jodi Anderson’s body has left many in Asheville grappling with disbelief and sadness. Community organizations and local leaders have begun discussing how to better support families affected by violence, emphasizing the need for prevention strategies and a dialogue around safety in public spaces.
As the investigation progresses, further updates from law enforcement are expected, and community members are encouraged to stay informed about the developments regarding both Anderson’s tragic death and the associated legal proceedings against Blodgett.
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Additional Resources
- WLOS: Man Charged with Murder in Gas Station Death
- WLOS: Woman Found Dead at Gas Station
- Fox Carolina: Man Charged with Attempted Murder
- WLOS: Asheville Police Seek Help in Double Homicide
- Wikipedia: Violent Crime

Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
ASHEVILLE STAFF 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.