(ProsperNews.net) – Las Vegas police officers responding to a 911 call early Tuesday fatally shot the homeowner who had dialed for help, instead of the alleged intruder. The incident, which occurred at around 12:40 a.m., has raised questions about how law enforcement handled the situation.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) held a press conference on Thursday to release details about the shooting, which took place after 43-year-old Brandon Durham reported a break-in at his home. According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Durham had called 911 to report that two individuals had broken into the residence he shared with his 15-year-old daughter.
When officers arrived, they discovered smashed windows on vehicles in the driveway and visible damage to windows on the home. Inside, they encountered Durham in a physical altercation with 31-year-old Alejandra Boudreaux, who police allege had broken into the house. The two were struggling over control of a knife.
Officers reportedly issued multiple commands for both parties to drop the knife, but those orders were ignored. An officer then opened fire, striking Durham multiple times. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
In a press conference, police acknowledged that Boudreaux had a prior relationship with Durham but did not elaborate on the nature of that relationship. Boudreaux was taken into custody and now faces a series of charges, including home invasion with a deadly weapon, assault with a deadly weapon, and domestic violence.
The LVMPD is conducting an internal investigation into the shooting, and body camera footage from the responding officers is expected to be reviewed as part of the inquiry. Officials have not yet released the name of the officer involved in the shooting.
This incident has sparked local outrage, with some questioning the officers’ decision to use lethal force. Advocates for police accountability have called for greater transparency in the investigation, while others have raised concerns about how officers assess threats in high-stakes situations.
Durham’s family has not yet made a public statement, but community members are calling for a thorough examination of the incident to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Copyright 2024, ProsperNews.net
