Teen homicide suspect shoots himself when confronted by police, NC officials say

A 17-year-old homicide suspect put a gun to his head and pulled the trigger when police cornered him along a busy highway in Asheville, according to investigators in western North Carolina.

It happened on Monday, and the juvenile died at a hospital three days later, the Asheville Police Department reported in a March 12 news release.

His identity has not been released.

“Officers responded to investigate reports of a gunshot wound victim in the 1100 block of Patton Avenue around 1:04 a.m. on March 9. Upon arrival, they located the victim, identified as William Wyatt Adair (20), suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest,” police said.

“Despite immediate lifesaving measures by officers, Adair succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.”

Investigators “quickly” identified a suspect, who was seen leaving the scene on foot.

He was located west of the crime scene, walking along New Leicester Highway, which intersects Patton Avenue.

“As officers approached, the suspect brandished a firearm and shot himself once in the head,” police said. “Officers immediately rendered medical aid until EMS arrived. The suspect ... was transported to Mission Hospital with life-threatening injuries.”

The teen’s death days later is attributed to the self-inflicted wound, officials said.

Investigators have determined he acted alone in the killing of Adair, officials said. A motive has not been released.

Asheville is about a 130-mile drive northwest from uptown Charlotte.

This story was originally published March 13, 2026 at 8:29 AM with the headline "Teen homicide suspect shoots himself when confronted by police, NC officials say."