The Asheville Police Department has ruled the death of local artist Christ Ortega a homicide, and is asking the public to come forward with information.

Asheville – After further consultation with the State Medical Examiner’s Office, and additional investigative follow-up by APD detectives, the Christopher Raymond Ortega death has been ruled a homicide. Ortega was found deceased in his Coleman Avenue apartment on October 28th and police found his death to be suspicious at the time. Autopsy results have since determined that Ortega’s death was due to asphyxiation.

At the time of his death Christopher Ortega was employed at Alan’s Jewelry & Pawn in Asheville. Owner Alan Sheppard has offered a reward of up to $2500.00 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible.

Additional information will be released when it becomes available.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the Asheville Police Department at 828-252-1110 or Crime Stoppers at 828-255-5050.