Ashvegas hot shots: On the definition of a serial killer; early July Fourth fireworks show and more

Jason Sandford July 6, 2009

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

Some of what’s going around today:

– Anybody at The Rush spotted the South Carolina serial killer again? I saw the WLOS report on Friday, I guess it was. Would the serial killer seriously be signing up for a new workout program?

The serial killer story went national over the weekend. On Sunday night, ABC News had the story as second from the top. I haven’t had a chance to look this up, but I’m questioning the use of the term “serial killer” in this case. To me, it sounds like a killing spree. We have a spree killer, but do we really have a serial killer on the loose? Doesn’t that term refer to some psychological aspect of killings? I don’t know, but it just seems odd.

– Loyal reader Chris tells me he was a little upset about the timing of the July Fourth fireworks show in downtown Asheville. The show was supposed to start at 10 p.m., and that’s been the normal start time in the past. But Chris says that he was driving his family downtown to park and get a viewing spot at 9:40 p.m., and the fireworks show had already started. Anybody know what why the show started early?

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

The tradition continues

As Gannett layoffs near, rumors abound about impact on Asheville Citizen-Times, other newspapers

7 Comments

rant 'n' roll July 6, 2009

Well, serial killer or not, it may be a moot point now, thankfully – Citizen-Times is reporting that he was fatally shot in Gastonia.

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Ash July 6, 2009

Theo, thanks for the info.

Leslie and Adam, loyal reader Chris says the newspaper listed the event in its calendar as starting at 10 p.m.

anon, good point.

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Leslie July 6, 2009

The fireworks were scheduled to begin at 9:30. That’s what all the publicity said.

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theo July 6, 2009

Dear ASH, This is most likely a spree killer. It is also possible he killed several with the intent to throw law enforcement off his sole intended target. This is a long shot,but its happened before. If he kills again after this down time, I would then classify him has an Unorganized Serial Killer. You see there are 2 major categories(Organized/Unorganized) e_mail me if you have more precise questions. Check out Mr.(Dr.) Park Dietz, the most renowned authority on serial,spree, and mass murderers. My Masters is in Criminal Justice and I have taught at the college level. So, I know more than the average Bear about killers of all shapes and sizes. We will know more soon, hopefully.

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Adam July 6, 2009

As long as I’ve lived in Asheville (since 2000), the fireworks have started as soon as the sun has completely set.

When you have someone important to be (like taking your family for a big 4th celebration), you should probably leave a bit earlier, dont you think?

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Roberto July 6, 2009

On the serial versus spree killer, I was wondering the same thing. Isn’t it standard M.O. for a serial killer to kill someone and then ‘cool off’ over an extended period of time?

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anon July 6, 2009

I bet they are just getting free advertising for that poorly colored building.

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