Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

law enforcement:

Police think someone has information about teen’s slaying at party

Police seek answers in death of teen girl

KSNV coverage of Metro Police asking the public's help in identifying the person who fatally shot a teen girl Sunday at a house party, Jan. 17, 2012.

More than 80 people were at a party Sunday where a teen girl was shot to death, and detectives believe someone knows who is responsible, Metro Police said Tuesday.

Police are asking partygoers to “do the right thing” and come forward with any information related to the shooting, Metro homicide Lt. Ray Steiber said.

Betty Jean Pinkney, 17, was killed after an argument erupted into gunfire, which struck her and wounded another woman. Pinkney was a senior at Desert Pines High School.

Detectives have not identified any suspects, despite interviews with many partygoers, most of whom were high school students, Steiber said.

“There were a lot of people there,” he said. “Unfortunately, no one is coming forward to lend any credence to our investigation.”

The shooting happened shortly before 1 a.m. Sunday at a home in the 4200 block of Tattersall Place, near Alexander Road and Lamb Boulevard, in the northeast valley. The other victim, Karen Sinatra, 32, is in stable condition, police said.

Police said it appears an argument began inside the residence and continued outside, where shots were fired by one or more people.

The gunfire entered the two-story home, striking Pinkney and Sinatra, who police say were not intended victims, Steiber said.

Detectives are investigating whether the shooting stemmed from gang activity but have not established any ties so far, Steiber said.

“She was a good student. She was a good athlete; had a family that adored her,” Steiber said of Pinkney. “She was in the wrong place at the wrong time, through no fault of her own.”

Anyone with information can call Metro’s homicide section at (702) 828-3521 or, to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or online at crimestoppersofnv.com.

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