LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – The 15-year-old boy accused of shooting and killing his father after a family argument will not be able to attend his father’s funeral.
The shooting happened near Rainbow and Lake Mead just three days after Christmas.
The 15-year-old’s family filled every seat available in the courtroom Tuesday morning, hoping the judge would allow him to go to his own dad’s funeral. However, the judge denied that request and upheld the decision a hearing master made last week.
Since the suspect is a minor, FOX5 is not allowed to share his name or show video of his face.
The boy’s attorney argued that he loves his dad and didn’t mean to kill him. Yet, the state’s attorney disagreed. They said the 15-year-old originally pointed the gun at his sister but fired at his father because he was the bigger target. They worry the boy would be able to talk with his mother and sister at the funeral who were witnesses to the shooting.
They’re also concerned he is a flight risk because he could be tried as an adult and could face life in prison. The judge gave her sympathies to the family but agreed with the state.
“I truly want you to participate in this, but I do not have a legal or factual basis to overturn the hearing master’s decision at this time,” said Judge Dee Butler. “Again, I’m more concerned at this point about safety to yourself, your family and the community.”
Family members told the boy ‘we love you’ as they all left the courtroom.
His next court date is next Thursday, January 16th for an update on if he will be certified as an adult.
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