Missing Man Found Dead, Suspect Commits Suicide

Authorities say the homicide suspect took his own life during a standoff with police.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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A missing man was found dead near Asheville, North Carolina, and the suspect in the homicide investigation later committed suicide during a standoff with deputies. The victim, 61-year-old Marco Loretto, was reported missing on February 24 and his body was discovered on March 4 with a gunshot wound to the head. Investigators charged 61-year-old Christopher Robin Rogers with second-degree murder, but Rogers was later found dead in a camper from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after a standoff with the sheriff's office.

Why it matters

This tragic case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in solving missing persons cases and the potential for violence when suspects are cornered. It also raises questions about the suspect's motives and whether earlier intervention could have prevented the loss of two lives.

The details

Authorities found Loretto's body near the Elk Mountain Scenic Highway outside Asheville after a friend reported him missing on February 24. An autopsy determined he died from a gunshot wound to the head. Investigators charged Rogers, who had been driving Loretto's car, with second-degree murder on March 6. When deputies tried to apprehend Rogers at a camper in Leicester, he refused to come out and was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after the sheriff's office special response team entered the camper.

  • On February 24, Loretto was reported missing by a friend.
  • On March 4, Loretto's body was found near Asheville.
  • On March 6, Rogers was charged with second-degree murder.
  • On March 6, Rogers was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound during a standoff with deputies.

The players

Marco Loretto

A 61-year-old man who was reported missing on February 24 and later found dead with a gunshot wound to the head.

Christopher Robin Rogers

A 61-year-old man who was charged with second-degree murder in Loretto's death, but later committed suicide during a standoff with police.

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What’s next

Authorities have not released any additional details about a potential motive or the circumstances surrounding Loretto's death and Rogers' suicide.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the need for continued improvements in missing persons investigations and better understanding of the factors that can lead to violence when suspects are confronted by law enforcement.