Las Vegas Sun

March 18, 2024

Police: Man fatally shot as he arrived at church

A parishioner arriving at a central valley church for a predawn service Monday was fatally shot in what may have been an attempted street robbery, according to Metro Police.

The shooting was reported about 5:35 a.m. in the 2300 block of Cedar Avenue, near the La Luz Del Mundo church, which translates in English to The Light of the World, Lt. Dan McGrath said.

Officers found the man, who had a gunshot wound to his chest, on the ground just outside the driver’s side of his 1998 Isuzu Rodeo, McGrath said. The church does not have a parking lot, and attendees park along the street, he said.

The man was taken to University Medical Center, where he died shortly after arriving, police said.

Police found the victim’s Bible about 10 feet away from where he was shot, and detectives were investigating whether there was a physical altercation before the fatal round was fired, McGrath said.

Some witnesses reported hearing what sounded like a gunshot, but detectives want to speak to anyone who may have seen something or been in the area about the time of the shooting, McGrath said. They also are seeking surveillance video that may have captured the shooting or a fleeing suspect, McGrath said.

The victim, whose name hasn’t been released, was known to frequent the church three to four times a week, McGrath said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Metro at 702-828-3521 or via email at [email protected]. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 702-385-5555 or online at crimestoppersofnv.com.