Two teenage girls in Las Vegas returned home from school Monday afternoon only to discover both of their parents shot dead inside the mother's apartment, authorities said. Police determined the father had forced his way into the residence and waited for his wife to arrive before opening fire in what investigators are describing as a murder-suicide.
Background
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Lt. Robert Price told reporters that the husband had arrived at the mother's apartment earlier in the day and forced his way inside. The couple was separated and had been for some time, according to authorities.
When the mother returned home, she found herself ambushed by her estranged husband, police said. He shot his wife and then turned the gun on himself, Price explained at a press conference Monday.
The couple's two daughters came home from school to the apartment in the 4900 block of South Nellis Boulevard near Tropicana Avenue around 3:30 p.m. One of the girls discovered her parents suffering from gunshot wounds and immediately called police.
The Investigation
LVMPD dispatch received a 911 call from a female caller stating she had just arrived home from school and found both her mother and father shot, according to Price. Officers responded to the scene and rendered medical aid until paramedics arrived, but both victims were pronounced dead at the location.
Homicide detectives have been notified and are currently investigating the incident, police said. The couple was reportedly in their mid-30s, and investigators have not yet publicly identified them pending notification of family members.
A motive for the murder-suicide has not been released. Authorities confirmed that a guardian came to the scene to take custody of one of the daughters who called emergency services.
"It appears that the husband and wife were both separated and have been for some time," Price said during the press briefing, noting the ongoing nature of the investigation.
Key Takeaways
- The father allegedly forced his way into the mother's apartment before waiting inside to ambush her upon arrival
- Both parents were pronounced dead at the scene after police attempted life-saving measures
- The couple was separated and had been for an extended period, according to investigators
- One teenage daughter called 911 after discovering both parents shot; a guardian later took custody of the child
What's Next
Homicide detectives with Las Vegas Metropolitan Police continue their investigation into the murder-suicide. Authorities have not yet released the names of the victims pending family notification. No additional information regarding potential motives or the circumstances surrounding the couple's separation has been made public as the inquiry remains active.