News Summary
Buncombe County is reeling from multiple homicide cases involving two women charged with murder. Erika Denise Frisby faces second-degree murder charges linked to the death of Jeruan Spencer, while Danya Kathryn Dewey is charged with first-degree murder in her mother’s death. The community remains on high alert as investigations continue into these shocking incidents.
Buncombe County, N.C. – In a series of alarming homicide cases, two women have been charged with murder in separate incidents that have shocked the local community. Erika Denise Frisby, 24, has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of Jeruan Spencer, while Danya Kathryn Dewey has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of her mother, Lori Pallinger.
Frisby’s involvement in the investigation surrounding Spencer’s murder came to light after the discovery of Spencer’s body on August 10, 2023. The body was found in a wooded area along McKinney Road. Prior to this grim discovery, Spencer was reportedly shot while riding in a vehicle on Haywood Road in west Asheville. Frisby was arrested on May 6, 2025, after an arrest warrant was issued for her the day before. She is currently being held without bond in the Buncombe County Detention Center.
In a related development, 25-year-old Javorie Ammon Thompson was arrested six days after Spencer’s murder and is also facing a charge of second-degree murder. He is being held on a bond of $500,000 in the Buncombe County Detention Facility. The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that the investigation into Spencer’s death is ongoing, and they continue to seek further details related to the case.
Meanwhile, in a different case within the same jurisdiction, Danya Kathryn Dewey faces a charge of first-degree murder in the death of her mother, Lori Pallinger. The 63-year-old was found deceased during a welfare check at her residence on Clarks Crossing Way. Although the investigation into Pallinger’s death is still in its early stages, no cause of death has been disclosed to the public as authorities continue to gather information. Dewey was apprehended after a subsequent search, and she is currently held in the Buncombe County Detention Center. Specific details regarding her case have yet to be released.
Adding to the troubling pattern of violence in the area, 40-year-old Jessica Barnes Ferland has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the shooting death of 26-year-old Jaquan Devaughen P Bowen. Bowen was shot in the head and later died from his injuries after being transported to Mission Hospital. Ferland is currently being held without bond as this case unfolds.
The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office is under considerable pressure to resolve these cases promptly, and the local community remains on high alert as law enforcement continues its investigations. Each incident has raised serious concerns regarding safety and violence in the region, prompting residents to engage in discussions about community preservation and crime prevention.
As authorities piece together these troubling events, the impact on the families involved and the broader community continues to be significant. It is expected that more details will emerge as investigations progress, leading to a clearer understanding of each situation surrounding these tragic deaths.
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Additional Resources
- WLOS: Woman Charged with Second-Degree Murder
- Fox Carolina: Deputies Investigating Homicide
- ABC News 4: Buncombe County Homicide Investigation
- Google Search: Buncombe County homicide investigation
- Fox Carolina: Woman Arrested After Man Shot
- Wikipedia: Homicide
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.
