Police seek answers in quadruple slayings

Metro Police homicide investigators today were hoping interviews with friends and family could help them narrow a seven-hour window of time in which a killer entered a Las Vegas home and murdered four young men, apparently for drugs.

The last anyone is believed to have heard from the victims was during what police have been told was a telephone conversation about 11 a.m. Friday.

But what transpired between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. when a friend of the victims made the gruesome discovery inside 4825 Terra Linda Ave. is a mystery that has yet to unfold.

The victims have been identified as Jeffrey Charles Biddle, 19; Tracey Albert Gorringe, 21; Matthew David Mowen, 19, and Peter Chris Talamantez, 17.

The victims were bound and shot, said homicide Sgt. Ken Hefner. Three were found in the living room near the door; the fourth was near the kitchen.

"There was nothing overt," as far as evidence that the murders could have resulted from a home invasion or forced entry, Hefner said, adding that the house was in a very dilapidated condition.

Hefner said drugs were found in the house and possessions were missing.

At least two of the victims were known to have been employed as security guards.

The last quadruple homicide on record in the valley was in 1992 and also drug-related.

Sunday afternoon in the southeast Las Vegas neighborhood near the intersection of Nellis Boulevard and Tropicana Avenue lawns were being mowed, neighbors were playing basketball and children were riding.

Having a normal afternoon was important Sunday to the residents that live around 4825 Terra Linda Ave.

"It has been a circus around here ever since this happened," said an angry Terra Linda resident. "Police and reporters keep rolling through."

The news of the murders quickly spread transforming what residents called a once quiet neighborhood into hotbed of police and media activity.

"This used to be a great neighborhood," said resident Tom Pope, who lives about a block from where the bodies were found. "Something like this is a city-wide problem and puts a damper on the neighborhood. You want to feel safe when you're in your neighborhood."

Pope, who was out mowing his lawn on Sunday, moved into the neighborhood in 1970.

There had been problems with the house at 4825 in the past, he said.

"They had a party about two weeks ago, and there were about 26-28 cars there," Pope said. "In the morning when I drove to work there were broken bottles and beer cans all over. They were definitely partiers."

The neighbors are unsure as to what happened to cause the young men's deaths. Police say that they have found evidence that supports a theory that the killings were motivated by robbery and likely involved narcotics. Police have confirmed that items were missing from the house.

"I just want to know what happened," said Russell Driever, who was playing basketball with two neighbors. "Was it drugs, a robbery or something else? I just want to know."

While confused about the causes of the homicides, residents said that the neighborhood would soon quiet back down.

"It has been a real good neighborhood since I moved her 10 years ago," a resident who wished to remain anonymous said. "What happened happened."

The resident said that he was not considering a move.

"If it happens again in my house, then I'll move," he said. "Until then I'll stay here."

Homicide Sgt. Ken Hefner today was asking for the public's help, seeking anyone who may have seen or spoken with the victims on Friday. Investigators are trying to pinpoint a more definite time frame for the murders. A $1,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the killers.

Anyone with information on the slaying is asked to call the homicide section at 229-3521. Anonymous tips can be placed with Secret Witness at 385-5555.

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