ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A man whose remains were found last week near Elk Mountain Scenic Highway died from a gunshot wound, and the suspect in the case died by suicide after barricading himself in a camper, according to the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner identified the victim as 61-year-old Marco Loretto. Preliminary autopsy results show Loretto died from a gunshot wound to the head, authorities said.
Investigators said Loretto was reported missing Feb. 24 by a friend who had not seen or heard from him in nearly a week.
According to the sheriff’s office, Christopher Robin Rogers had moved onto property at 804 Elk Mountain Scenic Highway and was driving Loretto’s vehicle. Investigators said Rogers told authorities he had not seen Loretto for weeks.
Detectives with the sheriff’s office Criminal Investigations Division searched for Loretto on March 4. Around 11:15 a.m., investigators discovered human remains that were later positively identified as Loretto.
Authorities said Rogers, 61, was charged with second-degree murder on March 6.
Deputies found Rogers in a camper at 852 North Turkey Creek Road. Officials said Rogers refused commands to come out, prompting the deployment of the sheriff’s office Special Response Team and Crisis Negotiation Team for an armed barricaded subject.
When members of the Special Response Team entered the camper, they found Rogers dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, authorities said.
BCSO District 2 Capt. Chris Stockton said the investigation involved multiple units and partner agencies.
“Our hearts go out to those who have suffered loss as a result of these events,” Stockton said in a statement. “This diligent investigation led to the discovery of Mr. Loretto’s remains along with other physical evidence that told the story of how he died.”
Stockton credited patrol deputies, detectives, crime scene investigators, the IGRANT team, the Special Response Team and the Crisis Negotiation Team for their work in the case.
The sheriff’s office also thanked the Reems Creek Fire Department, Asheville Police Department and Weaverville Police Department for assisting with the investigation.
Officials said the investigation remains ongoing.
