Henderson Judge Hampton found dead; foul play not suspected

By Chris Kudialis, Jackie Valley

Published Monday, March 14, 2016 | 11 a.m.

Updated Monday, March 14, 2016 | 2:08 p.m.

Henderson Municipal Court Judge Diana Hampton, 50, was found dead in her home on Sunday afternoon, a Henderson Police spokeswoman said.

Police responded at 12:25 p.m. to conduct a welfare check in the 3100 block of Palazzo Reale Ave., spokeswoman Michelle French said. Officers entered Hampton’s home and found her body inside, she said.

Foul play is not suspected, French said.

The Clark County Coroner’s Office said Hampton’s body was being examined this morning. It did not release the cause and manner of her death.

Hampton served as a Municipal Court judge for 11 years. Before that, she was a deputy city attorney in Henderson, prosecuting drunken driving and domestic battery cases.

Hampton also once had a private practice, focusing on family and criminal law, according to her online biography.

Henderson Mayor Andy Hafen and the City Council released a statement offering condolences to Hampton’s family, staff and loved ones.

City officials noted that, as a judge, Hampton helped created the Interactive Driver’s Education Program and a Life of Crime Program, the latter of which aims to prevent teens from getting involved in illegal activity.

“She was a great advocate for justice and fairness,” Hafen and the council wrote. “She was a leader, serving as chief judge and working tirelessly to help make our community better. Her presence on the bench and in our community will be deeply missed.”