ASHEVILLE, N.C. — The death of 18-year-old Joseph Rose, whose body was discovered in a creek on December 12, has been ruled a homicide following preliminary autopsy results, according to the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office. The teen had been reported missing to the Asheville Police Department on December 2, and his family said the last time anyone had heard from him was November 24.
This tragic turn of events follows a previous incident in 2021 when Joseph was briefly reported missing, according to family statements. The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office has now taken over the case, classifying it as an active “pending criminal investigation” being handled by its Criminal Investigations Division.
“Acknowledging that there are many questions, the Criminal Investigations Division is working on this ‘pending criminal investigation,'” the sheriff’s office stated.
Family Remembers a ‘Free Spirit’
Joseph’s sister, Emily Ivory Rose, shared memories of her brother, describing him as a unique and caring individual.
“Joseph was a free spirit who cared for everyone he met,” she said. “He’s the kind of person you only meet once in a lifetime and would always remember.”
The discovery has left family and friends devastated, grappling with the loss of a young man remembered for his kindness and the sudden, violent nature of his death.
Authorities have not released any details about potential suspects or a motive. The sheriff’s office is urging anyone with information related to Joseph Rose’s disappearance or death to come forward as the investigation continues.