Buncombe Sheriff's Office charges Weaverville man with first-degree murder of 86-year-old

A 35-year-old man has been charged with first-degree murder after Buncombe County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a Weaverville neighborhood July 4 for a domestic violence incident and wellness check.

In an initial advisory released the afternoon of July 4, the sheriff’s office warned of a “significant law enforcement presence” near Squirrel Ridge Drive. Deputies were responding to a domestic violence incident and had taken one suspect into custody.

Later in the day, the sheriff’s office later said that the case had turned into a homicide investigation with one confirmed victim.

Deputies then responded to a house on an adjacent street, 5 Ebernickle Lane, for a wellness check, according to a news release from the sheriff’s office. Upon arrival, deputies found Diana Lofland deceased. She was 86, according to court documents. Law enforcement has not provided the victim’s suspected cause of death.

Following an initial investigation, deputies charged and arrested Eric Gentle, 35, with first degree murder. His arrest warrant states he "did of malice aforethought kill and murder" Lofland.

He is being held at the Buncombe County Detention Facility under no bond and has a court date of July 5.

Next of kin has been notified, and the sheriff’s office said there is no threat to the community.

This story will be updated.

Ryley Ober is the Public Safety Reporter for Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at rober@gannett.com and follow her on Twitter @ryleyober