Jennifer Rose Gerard Obituary, Death; – A woman has lost her life and a man has sustained severe injuries following what appears to be a burglary and assault at a residence in Asheville on Thursday night.
According to Asheville police, officers were dispatched to Warren Avenue at approximately 10:15 p.m. to assist EMS personnel with a man who had suffered significant injuries. Upon their arrival, officers discovered a victim with critical wounds, who was subsequently transported to Mission Hospital.
During the course of their investigation, police reported that a welfare check was performed at a nearby residence, where they uncovered evidence of a burglary and found Jennifer Rose Gerard, 45, deceased from stab wounds.
Authorities identified Douglas Michael Stroupe, 32, as a suspect and apprehended him in proximity to the crime scene.
After collecting evidence and statements from witnesses, police stated that Stroupe was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon resulting in serious injury with intent to kill, and first-degree burglary. Stroupe is currently being held at the Buncombe County Detention Facility without the possibility of bond.
Asheville police indicated that Gerard’s death represents the fifth homicide in Asheville for the year 2025.
The investigation into this homicide is ongoing. Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to reach out to the Asheville Police Department at 828-252-1110. Anonymous tips can also be submitted via the TIP2APD smartphone application (search for ‘Asheville PD’ in your app store) or by texting TIP2APD to 847411.
