Current:Home > Scams15-year-old North Dakota runaway shot, killed in Las Vegas while suspect FaceTimed girl -Prosperity Pathways
15-year-old North Dakota runaway shot, killed in Las Vegas while suspect FaceTimed girl
View
Date:2025-04-20 22:21:29
A 15-year-old runaway from North Dakota was killed in a Las Vegas apartment while his suspected shooter was showing off his gun to a girl on FaceTime, police said.
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police charged Browdy Lee Shaffer, 18, with James Lobue's murder on Sept. 4. The boy was a runaway from Bismarck, North Dakota, according to a police arrest report obtained by USA TODAY.
Officers found James on Sept. 2 lying inside the apartment from a gunshot wound to the torso, the report says. He was then taken to a hospital for emergency surgery, but despite the efforts of medical personnel, he succumbed to his injuries, the document continued.
Two adults and three juveniles were in the residence when police responded, while body-worn camera video caught "a multitude of juveniles fleeing the apartment upon officer's arrival," according to the report.
It is unclear if Shaffer has a defense attorney.
Browdy Lee Shaffer came to apartment with semiautomatic pistol
A female juvenile in the apartment told police that James and another boy slept in the living room of the apartment the night before the shooting, the report says. Upset that the boys were in the living room, the girl's stepfather poured water on them and woke the pair up, prompting them to leave, the document continued.
The boys would ultimately come back and spend the night in the apartment. Shaffer, who had a semiautomatic pistol with him, came by the apartment the next day to confront the girl's stepfather about him pouring water on his brother, according to the report.
While at the apartment, Shaffer began "play-fighting" with his brother and James in a bedroom, the report says. He then made a FaceTime call to an unknown female and began showing her his gun by "illuminating the flashlight and laser," the document continued.
Loud 'pop' heard, everyone ran out of the apartment
At some point, Shaffer was standing next to James with the gun in his hand when a loud "pop" was heard, according to the report. Everyone then ran out of the room, including James, who collapsed at the front door of the apartment, police said in the report.
While everyone fled from the apartment, Shaffer attempted to help the dying teenager, the report says. Before the police arrived, he went back to the bedroom for an unknown reason and then fled the apartment, according to the document.
Police learned that Shaffer came over to the apartment to fight the girl's stepfather "in the street," the report says. Instead of fighting the stepfather, James died from gunshot wounds to his torso and arm, according to the report, citing the Clark County Coroner.
Shaffer was arrested on Sept. 4 and booked at the Clark County Detention Center.
veryGood! (57886)
Related
- The Grammy nominee you need to hear: Esperanza Spalding
- New Mexico’s governor tests positive for COVID-19, reportedly for the 3rd time in 13 months
- Passport processing times reduced by 2 weeks, State Department says
- Giants' season is already spiraling out of control after latest embarrassment in prime time
- The Grammy nominee you need to hear: Esperanza Spalding
- US announces sweeping action against Chinese fentanyl supply chain producers
- LeBron James Shares How Son Bronny's Medical Emergency Put Everything in Perspective
- Atlanta will pay $3.75M to family of Nebraska man who died after being handcuffed and held face down
- How to watch new prequel series 'Dexter: Original Sin': Premiere date, cast, streaming
- Which students get into advanced math? Texas is using test scores to limit bias
Ranking
- Meta releases AI model to enhance Metaverse experience
- Jacksonville sheriff says body camera video shows officers were justified in beating suspect
- WWE's Becky Lynch, Seth Rollins continue to honor legacy of the 'wonderful' Bray Wyatt
- The Latest Glimpse of Khloe Kardashian's Son Tatum Thompson Might Be the Cutest Yet
- Rylee Arnold Shares a Long
- Kidnapping suspect who left ransom note also gave police a clue — his fingerprints
- WWE's Becky Lynch, Seth Rollins continue to honor legacy of the 'wonderful' Bray Wyatt
- Kia, Hyundai among 3.3 million vehicles recalled last week: Check car recalls here
Recommendation
Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
Suspect in kidnapping of 9-year-old Charlotte Sena in upstate New York identified
New Baltimore police commissioner confirmed by City Council despite recent challenges
Enchanted Fairies promises magical photoshoots. But some families say it's far from dreamy
2025 'Doomsday Clock': This is how close we are to self
Defense Department official charged with promoting, facilitating dog fighting ring
Powerball jackpot climbs to $1.2 billion ahead of Wednesday's drawing
Nightclub fire in Murcia, Spain, leaves at least 13 dead