From Staff Reports

HENDERSONVILLE —  Following the investigation of a fatal stabbing in the city on Dec. 23, the Hendersonville Police identified a suspect, and a warrant was issued for his arrest, the HPD reported in a Jan. 14 press release. 

The suspect was taken into custody in Asheville, “without incident, by the U.S. Marshal Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force at the request of the Hendersonville Police Department,” the release noted.

Willie Lee Brown III, 34, of Hendersonville, was charged with first-degree murder. 

He is being held without bond in the Henderson County Detention Center. 

About 8:43 p.m. Dec. 23, “Hendersonville police officers were dispatched to assist Henderson County EMS with an unknown problem at the intersection of 7th Avenue East and Robinson Terrace,” the release stated, adding the following:

“Upon arrival, officers discovered a male victim with penetrating injuries consistent with a knife assault. EMS immediately transported the victim to Pardee UNC Health, where he succumbed to his injuries. The victim was identified as Kevin Deran Copelin, age 50, of Hendersonville.” 

The HPD is asking anyone with information about this incident “to immediately come forward. Please contact Detective Torbett at (828) 697-3025. 

“Anonymous tips may be submitted through the Hendersonville Police Department App, available for download on the iOS App Store and Google Play by searching ‘Hendersonville PD.’ Alternatively, individuals can contact their local law enforcement agency by calling 911.”