1. Asheville audio engineer murdered in studio robbery
2. Asheville audio engineer fatally attacked in studio robbery.

Accident – Death – Obituary News :

Tragic Loss of Audio Engineer in Armed Robbery

Chase Christian VanLeeuwen, a certified audio engineer and sound mixer, met a tragic end on the night of December 22 in West Asheville. The 30-year-old was taking a break from a late-night recording session at a local studio when he was fatally shot during an armed robbery.

According to reports from the Asheville Police Department, officers responded to a 911 call reporting that a dozen people were hiding from armed robbers at the studio. When officers arrived, they found VanLeeuwen with a gunshot wound to the head. His fiancé, Jasmine Greenwood, revealed that VanLeeuwen had expressed concerns about working at the studio due to its lack of visibility and some of the clientele it attracted.

Despite promising Greenwood that he wouldn’t return to the studio, VanLeeuwen had taken on a freelance gig that fateful night to earn extra money before Christmas. Greenwood, who was in contact with him during the session, described the harrowing moments leading up to his death.

Tragic Turn of Events

Greenwood recounted how VanLeeuwen had just an hour left in the recording session when he was ambushed outside the building and pushed inside before being shot. She expressed profound sadness at his untimely passing, emphasizing that he was a professional dedicated to his craft and did not deserve such a fate.

VanLeeuwen, who had worked with local artists to create beats and mix songs, was described by Greenwood as a talented and loving individual. She highlighted his passion for music and his commitment to his career, which had taken him from Atlanta to Seattle in pursuit of his dreams.

Following the tragic incident, a second victim, Marckia Ornette Jones, also lost her life after being dropped at a local hospital with gunshot wounds. The perpetrators, Tristin Marquese Maewether and Rontae La-Warren Harper, are facing charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping in connection to VanLeeuwen’s death.

Justice for the Victims

Maewether was arrested on February 16, while Harper was apprehended on March 6. Both are currently facing serious charges related to the armed robbery and double homicide that took place at the recording studio. Harper is being held at the Buncombe County Detention Center without bond, while Maewether is serving a 90-day sentence for a parole violation.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be shared anonymously through text or directly contacting the Asheville Police Department.

As the community mourns the loss of VanLeeuwen and Jones, their loved ones seek closure and justice for the senseless violence that took them away. The impact of their deaths reverberates through the music community and beyond, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of safety and security in all workplaces.

Ryley Ober, the Public Safety Reporter for Asheville Citizen Times, continues to cover the developments in this tragic case. For more updates, follow her on Twitter @ryleyober or email her at rober@gannett.com.

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Asheville audio engineer killed in studio robbery
Fiancé speaks out about Asheville audio engineer murder.