Joseph Solmon Rose Death and Obituary: Buncombe County Adolescent Discovered Lifeless After Being Reported

 Joseph Solmon Rose Death and Obituary – Joseph Solmon Rose, an 18-year-old from Buncombe County, North Carolina, was declared missing on December 2, 2025. This prompted a search both locally and regionally, which heartbreakingly ended when his remains were found on December 12, 2025. His case has been deemed a homicide, and law enforcement is actively pursuing leads regarding the details of his demise.

Discovery and Investigation

Rose’s remains were found in a creek or ditch close to Gilbert B. Crook Road in the Candler vicinity. Investigators estimate that he likely passed away around November 24, 2025, which is the last day he was known to have communicated with his family through video call. An initial autopsy indicated that he succumbed to a single gunshot wound to the head, pointing to the involvement of foul play.

After the discovery, police initiated a thorough investigation, resulting in the apprehension of 21-year-old Johnathan David Paleno from Cullowhee, North Carolina. Paleno faces charges of first-degree murder and is currently detained at the Buncombe County Detention Facility without the option for bail. Authorities have pointed out that the victim and the accused had a prior acquaintance, though further details about their connection have not been made public.

Disappearance and Background

Rose’s family filed a missing person report when he did not arrive for Thanksgiving dinner and did not reply to messages from relatives. His disappearance occurred after a similar incident in June 2021 when he was briefly reported missing as a minor, but he was found safely at that time.

Recognized for his love of adventure, Rose traveled extensively throughout North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee. His family and friends referred to him as a “free spirit” and acknowledged his involvement as a local artist in Asheville, where his artistic contributions were well appreciated in the community. His vanishing and subsequent death have caused deep sorrow in his hometown and beyond, raising widespread concerns regarding the safety of young individuals and amplifying focus on unsolved missing persons cases.

Community Response

The announcement of Rose’s passing has led to a significant outpouring of sorrow from his family, friends, and the Asheville community. Authorities are requesting that anyone with information related to Rose’s disappearance or the circumstances leading to his death come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation. Law enforcement officials are prioritizing this case and working in collaboration with neighboring counties to ensure a comprehensive and prompt conclusion.

The unfortunate death of Joseph Solmon Rose emphasizes the hazards young individuals might encounter and reinforces the necessity for timely reporting and investigation of missing persons. As the legal proceedings against the suspect progress, both the community and his family continue to pursue answers and justice for a life that was cut short too early.