A late-night emergency call in Asheville has led to the discovery of a fatal stabbing and a severely injured man near what authorities describe as a burglary-turned-violent assault. The victim has been identified as 45-year-old Jennifer Rose Gerard, whose death has left her family and community in deep mourning.
According to the Asheville Police Department, officers responded at approximately 10:15 p.m. Thursday to Warren Avenue after EMS personnel requested assistance for a man suffering from life-threatening injuries. The injured victim was quickly transported to Mission Hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
As officers continued their investigation, a welfare check was conducted at a nearby home. Inside, police uncovered signs of a burglary and found Jennifer Rose Gerard deceased from multiple stab wounds. Detectives say the violent scene indicated a deliberate and targeted attack.
Authorities quickly identified 32-year-old Douglas Michael Stroupe as the primary suspect. He was apprehended a short distance from the area following the discovery. Police reported that evidence collected at the scene, along with witness statements, directly connected Stroupe to the fatal assault.
Stroupe now faces a series of severe charges, including first-degree murder, attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury with intent to kill, and first-degree burglary. He is being held without bond at the Buncombe County Detention Facility.
The Asheville Police Department confirmed that Gerard’s death marks the city’s fifth homicide of 2025. Detectives continue to process evidence and follow leads as the investigation remains active.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the case to contact the Asheville Police Department at 828-252-1110. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the TIP2APD app or by texting TIP2APD to 847411.
As the community mourns the loss of Jennifer Rose Gerard, loved ones are left grieving a life cut tragically short in an incident that has shaken the Warren Avenue neighborhood and beyond. Police continue working to bring justice for the victims and clarity to the events that unfolded Thursday night.