'Good-hearted man': Asheville City Council member's nephew killed in fight July 13

Ryley Ober, Asheville Citizen Times
·2 min read
Caleb Gilliam, 29, was an Asheville local and "football star," his family said. He died after suffering serious injuries in an altercation Livingston Street Apartments July 13.
Caleb Gilliam, 29, was an Asheville local and "football star," his family said. He died after suffering serious injuries in an altercation Livingston Street Apartments July 13.

ASHEVILLE - After Caleb Savon Gilliam was killed in a fight at Livingston Street Apartments July 13, his family shared about the Asheville local and son, including his aunt, City Council member Sheneika Smith.

"With heavy hearts, the Gilliam and Smith families regretfully announced the earthly transition of a great son, nephew, cousin and friend, but rejoice in knowing that he is present with the Lord and his father, Robert 'Rocky' Gilliam II," the family posted on Facebook.

Sheneika Smith told the Citizen Times that the family is "extremely heartbroken." Gilliam, 29, was born and raised in Asheville. Smith described him as a "football star" who attended Asheville High School and graduated from Reynolds High School.

Caleb Gilliam, 29, smiles while holding his cousin. His family called him a "good-hearted man" who was "full of laughter" and "had the brightest smile."
Caleb Gilliam, 29, smiles while holding his cousin. His family called him a "good-hearted man" who was "full of laughter" and "had the brightest smile."

"Caleb was a good-hearted man and full of laughter. He was loved by many and had the brightest smile to match his big heart," Smith said on behalf of the entire family.

"His good nature makes this whole situation hurtful. No family should ever have to suffer this kind of loss."

Asheville police responded to a report of a fight with weapons at Livingston Street Apartments around 7:22 p.m. July 13, police previously said in a news release. When officers arrived, they found a man — later identified as Gilliam — suffering from serious injuries from the altercation. Gilliam was transferred to Mission Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

"He didn't live (at the apartment complex) but grew up in the Southside neighborhood and has good friends there," Smith said about her nephew.

Previous reporting: Asheville homicide victim identified by police; juvenile suspect charged with murder

"I can confirm that officers responded to a report of a fight with weapons (as coded by dispatch) at Livingston Apartments. Upon arrival, they found a man with serious injuries resulting from blunt force trauma sustained during a physical altercation (no weapons.)," APD spokesperson Samantha Booth told the Citizen Times July 13 via email.

In consultation with the Buncombe County District Attorney's Office, police charged a juvenile with first degree murder in connection to Gilliam's death.

Booth said this is the sixth homicide in the City of Asheville so far this year.

This was also the second death within three weeks from an altercation at Livingston Apartments, according to police. On June 24, Ashley Ryan Waddell, 40, of Asheville, was shot and killed in a fight involving multiple weapons. Two others were injured by gunfire, and another person suffered blunt force trauma during the altercation.

More: Fatal shooting at Livingston Apartments: Asheville police release cause of death, timeline

More: 'The police won't come': Residents decry inaction to violence in Asheville public housing

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

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Asheville City Council member's nephew killed in fight July 13