Officer in fatal crash was involved in 1996 shooting

Police say 35-year-old Edward Jones was driving a patrol car that slammed into a motorcycle before dawn Saturday.

Police said Jones' patrol car crossed a center line, killing 34-year-old Anthony "Chappy" Brazil. A talented magician, Brazil was a performer in the Caesars Palace Magical Empire show.

Magician Lance Burton called Brazil a "great guy" and said everyone in the magic community was mourning his death.

Jones was one of two officers involved in the September 1996 fatal shooting of Gerry Waje in front of a residence in the Lakes subdivision of Las Vegas. Waje was shot when he brandished two steak knives, then ran toward police officers in a threatening manner.

A coroner's inquest determined that Jones and officer Kirk Hamblin were justified in shooting Waje, and that they acted in self defense.

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