LAS VEGAS, Nev. — A routine trip home from school ended in tragedy Monday afternoon when two daughters found both of their parents shot dead inside their mother’s apartment in Las Vegas.
The girls returned to their mother’s home in the 4900 block of South Nellis Boulevard near Tropicana Avenue and discovered their parents inside.
One of the daughters immediately called 911.
“LVMPD dispatch received a 911 call from a female caller stating that she had just got home from school and found her mother and father both shot,” Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Lt. Robert Price told reporters.
Officers were dispatched to the apartment and arrived at approximately 3:30 p.m., where they found both adults suffering from gunshot wounds.
Police Say Father Waited for Wife to Arrive
According to investigators, the shooting appears to have been a deliberate ambush.
At a press conference Monday, Price said the husband had allegedly gone to the apartment earlier in the day and forced his way inside.
“The husband came over earlier … forced his way inside the apartment and waited for the mother to arrive home,” Price said.
Investigators believe the man remained inside until his wife returned.
“When the mother arrived home, it appears that the husband shot his wife and then turned the gun on himself and shot himself,” Price said.
An LVMPD press release later stated that detectives had determined the husband shot his wife before shooting himself.
Police have not indicated that the daughters were present inside the apartment when the shooting occurred. They instead arrived home from school afterward and discovered the aftermath.
Both Parents Pronounced Dead at Scene
When officers arrived, they found both parents suffering from gunshot wounds. Police officers provided medical assistance while waiting for paramedics to arrive, but the injuries were fatal.
The man and woman were pronounced dead at the scene. The identities of the couple have not yet been released by authorities. Police said they were reportedly in their mid-30s.
The daughter who called 911 is a teenager, according to Price. The tragedy has left the children without either parent after they were the ones who made the devastating discovery.
Couple Had Been Separated
Investigators have not released a motive for the apparent murder-suicide. Price said detectives were notified and were continuing to investigate what led to the deadly confrontation.
“Homicide detectives have been notified and we’re currently investigating,” Price said.
He also confirmed that the husband and wife were separated and had been for some time.
Authorities have not publicly explained whether there had been previous disputes, threats or other circumstances involving the couple before the shooting.
Those details could become part of the ongoing investigation as detectives work to establish what happened in the hours leading up to the deaths.
Teenager Taken Into Guardian’s Care
Following the discovery, authorities also had to ensure the children had someone to care for them. Price said a guardian came for the child after the police response.
The investigation remains ongoing, with detectives expected to examine the scene and gather additional information about the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
For the two daughters, however, the investigation began with an unimaginable discovery after an ordinary school day. They came home expecting to see their parents and instead found both of them dead.
Police have not announced any additional details about the family or the circumstances that preceded the shooting.
What do you think can be done to prevent tragedies like this when separated couples are involved? Share your thoughts in the comments.