1980 - 1989
Visitors to this site are urged to contact the our office with any information you may have about these cases.
702-828-3521
Homicide@LVMPD.com
Case #: 89-32667
Victim: Bobby Wayne Foster, 47
Suspect: Unknown
Location: Recovered in desert area near Willow Beach, Mohave County, Arizona
Date: September 2-8, 1989
Synopsis: In August 1989, Bobby Wayne Foster, a 47-year-old professional gambler, won approximately $50,000 in a poker tournament in California. Following the win, he traveled to Las Vegas to meet his nephew at the Imperial Palace Hotel and Casino.
On the evening of September 1, 1989, Foster and his nephew were seen at a bar inside Caesars Palace. The two had planned to reconnect later that evening. Multiple witnesses observed Foster leave the bar area with a White female with blonde hair.
During the afternoon of September 2, 1989, Foster was seen alone at a local bar called the Tender Trap.
On September 3, 1989, Foster’s nephew reported him missing to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
Foster’s white Corvette was located in the parking lot of the Stardust Hotel and Casino on September 8, 1989. LVMPD Crime Scene Analysts processed the vehicle before it was towed.
On September 16, 1989, a snake hunter discovered Foster’s body in a remote desert area of Mohave County, Arizona, near Willow Beach.
An autopsy performed by the Clark County Coroner determined Foster had been shot. His death was ruled a homicide.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com.
Case #: 89-69928
Victim: Tracy Jackson, 25
Suspect: Unknown
Location: 1000 Block of South Commerce Street
Date: May 21, 1989
Synopsis: On Sunday, May 21, 1989, at approximately 4:30 a.m., LVMPD patrol officers responded to the 1000 block of S. Commerce St. for a report of a suspicious situation. Officers arrived and met with the person reporting who directed them to the location of an unidentified adult female with multiple blunt trauma injuries and it appeared she was deceased. At approximately 7:45 a.m., the assigned Deputy Coroner Investigator pronounced the adult female deceased at the scene. LVMPD Homicide Section and other personnel initiated an investigation into the decedent’s death.
On Monday, May 22, 1989, the Clark County Office of the Coroner identified the adult female as being Tracy Jackson (also known as Tracy Freel and Tracy Kolias) via fingerprints. On the same date, after a complete autopsy, the Chief Medical Examiner opined the manner of her death was a homicide.
The LVMPD Homicide Section continued their investigation to a point in which there was no new information or leads to follow-up on and the death of Tracy Jackson is an unresolved murder and there are no known suspects.
Anyone with information is urged call the LVMPD Homicide Section at 702-828-3521.
Case #: 89-55286
Victim: Shirley Ann Stanton
Suspect: Unknown
Location: Near Laughlin, NV
Date: Discovered on March 16, 1989
Synopsis: On March 16 1989, passengers on a bus headed toward Laughlin observed a body off of the road. Police responded & located the body of Shirley Ann Stanton who was determined to be a homicide victim. Her body had been undiscovered for several days. Stanton was relocating between Bedford, TX and Porterville, CA. She’d been having some car trouble & reporting her trip status to her mother. Authorities located her vehicle, with her dog inside, near the Vicksburg overpass on I-10 in New Hope, AZ, in La Paz County approximately 100 miles east of Phoenix. This remote location has a truck stop. A white, semi-tractor trailer rig was seen stopped in the vicinity of Stanton’s vehicle.
Anyone with information is urged call the LVMPD Homicide Section at 702-828-3521.
Case #: 89-47971
Victim: Paula Bowling, 21
Suspect: Unknown
Location: Paradise Road, south of Robindale
Date: Discovered on February 13, 1989
Synopsis: On February 13, 1989, at approximately 5:30 p.m., the body of Paula Bowling (AKA: Paula Howard or Chardon Jazzmen) was found in the desert area off Paradise Road, south of Robindale. The victim had arrests in Las Vegas for prostitution and drug related offenses and was known to frequent the area of Fremont and Eastern Avenues.
Anyone with information is urged call the LVMPD Homicide Section at 702-828-3521.
Case: 87-66634
Victim: Frank Richard Ringler, 51
Suspect: Unknown
Location: 6300 Casada Way
Date: Discovered June 8, 1987
Synopsis: Ringler was discovered dead in the living room of a associates house while house sitting for the weekend. He had been stabbed to death. Ringler had recently returned to Las Vegas after living in Florida and Barstow, CA.
Anyone with information is urged call LVMPD Homicide Section at 702-828-3521.
Case #: 87-46281
Victim: Angelique Jeanette Hayes, 36
Suspect: Unknown
Location: Desert area near Mile Marker 40, East Lake Mead Blvd., Las Vegas, NV
Date: Discovered February 18, 1987
Synopsis: Angelique Hayes' nude body was discovered by hikers walking in the desert area approximately 3/10th of a mile south of the roadway. It is believed that her body had been in the area for three to four days. An autopsy determined the cause of death to be asphyxiation by means of strangulation. Angelique was initially listed as a "Jane Doe"; she was later identified through fingerprint comparison. Angelique was last seen at the Par-A-Dice Inn Motel, 2217 East Fremont St. Las Vegas, NV.
Anyone with information is urged call the LVMPD Homicide Section at 702-828-3521.
Case #: 86-80155
Victim: Matthew Dane, 20
Suspect: Unknown
Location: Deer Creek/Lee Canyon
Date: September 7, 1986
Synopsis: On September 8, 1986, at approximately 1400 hours LVMPD received a call regarding a dead body in the area of Deer Creek and Lee Canyon on Mount Charleston. Two hikers had made contact with Rangers at the Lee Canyon Ranger Station advising the had located the body of a white male adult, who appeared to be deceased.
The male, later identified as Matthew L Dane had been shot multiple times. Dane was also identified as being in the Air Force and was stationed at Nellis Air Force Base.
Dane was married at the time of his death. On September 7, 1986, his wife told Detectives she last saw her husband at the 7-Eleven located at Charleston and Nellis Blvd. after the two had returned from Mount Charleston. Dane had allegedly came out of the store around 4:00 p.m., told his wife his friend who was in the 7-Eleven and he were going out target shooting and removed his guns from the trunk of their car. Dane’s wife stated she did not know who the friend was or where the two were gong target shooting at.
On September 8, 1986 Dane’s wife said she woke up and realized Matthew Dane never returned home. She became very upset because she told detectives this behavior was uncommon for her husband. Therefore, she proceeded to Nellis Air Force Base, where she spoke with her husband’s command officer, who assisted her in contacting Metro Police.
A missing person report was filed early morning on September 8, 1986 by Dane’s wife.
READ: Review Journal Article September 9, 1986
READ: Review Journal Article September 16, 1986
READ: Review Journal Article September 10, 1986
READ: Las Vegas Sun Article September 10, 1986
READ: The Salem News Article January 13, 1987
READ: Las Vegas Sun Article January 17, 1987
READ: Review Journal Article November 23, 1988
Anyone with information is urged call the LVMPD Homicide Section at 702-828-3521.
Case #: 86-76505
Victim: Paul Vincent Leonardo, 29
Suspect: Unknown
Location: Alley South of 4425 Salton Ave., Las Vegas, NV
Date: August 18, 1986
Synopsis: Paul Leonardo, a Whittlesea Cab Driver, was found shot to death, in his cab, in the alley South of Salton Ave., by a man jogging in the area at approximately 6:30 in the morning. It was believed, at the time of discovery, that Paul was the victim of a robbery. The investigation revealed that Paul was dispatched to 4434 Salton Ave., Apt. 2B at 5:26 a.m. The meter in the cab was still recording at the time of discovery, based on the meter; it is believed that he arrived at approximately 5:39 a.m. The analysis completed by the Taxi Cab Authority personnel indicated that Paul either picked up a fare and drove approximately 6 miles and returned to the area or was robbed and killed at the location where he was found, though witnesses in the area didn't see the cab in the area between 5:45 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.
READ: Las Vegas Review Journal August 18, 1996
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com.
Case #: 86-41760
Victim: Robert E. Ellis, 43
Suspect: Unknown
Location: 220 Maulding Avenue
Date: Discovered on January, 31, 1986
Synopsis: On January 31, 1986, at approximately 4:00 p.m., Robert Ellis was found deceased in the living room area of his residence at 220 Maulding Avenue.
The victim worked in real estate and had resided in Las Vegas for several years. He was last seen alive in the evening on January 29, 1986, in the area of the Palace Station Casino.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com.
Case #: 85-76950
Victim: John Donald Valin, 46
Suspect: Unknown
Location: 5822 Boulder Highway (parking lot to rear of Bungalow Bar) Las Vegas, NV
Date: September 5, 1985
Synopsis: John Valin and a female companion were, seated in a 1983 Ford Ranger pickup truck, behind the Bungalow Bar when the suspect fired several rounds through the rear window of the truck. John was struck several times and died at the scene. The companion was struck once in the head, but survived the wound. The companion was unable to provide any information on the suspect. John Valin and his companion were involved in an altercation inside of the Bar shortly before the shooting. Detectives learned that a previous altercation involving John and his companion occurred at the Lucille's Lucky Seven lounge which was located a short distance from the Bungalow Bar. There are no known witnesses to the shooting.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com.
Case #: 85-55574
Victim: Leslie Herberth, 25
Suspect: Unknown
Location: Santa Fe Trail Motel #1, Las Vegas, NV
Date: May 3, 1985
Synopsis: Leslie Herberth was last seen entering the MGM with an unidentified White male, after being picked up by a cab at the Santa Fe Trail Motel at approximately 4:00 a.m. She was discovered in the bed of room #1 at the Santa Fe Trail Motel by the Manager who heard water running at approximately 8:00 a.m. No witnesses observed the victim return to the Santa Fe Trail Motel between 4:00-8:00 a.m. No suspect has been identified.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com.
Case #: 85-52711
Victim: Arthur Williams Jr., 3
Suspect: Unknown
Location:217 W. New York (The York Apartments)
Date: April 15, 1985, approximately 6 p.m.
Synopsis: On the evening of April 15, 1985, at approximately 6pm, Arthur and his 5-year-old sister were playing outside of their apartment. A white male adult was sitting on a wall near the sidewalk on W. New York. Arthur’s sister heard the male say, “I’m going to kill you. I’m going to hurt you.”
The suspect hopped off the wall, pulled a folding knife out of his pocket and approached Arthur. The suspect unfolded the knife, walked up to Arthur, and swung one-time striking Arthur in the head. The suspect then ran down an alley off W. New York. Arthur was transported to a local hospital where he died from the stab wound to his head.
The murder was only witnessed by Arthur’s sister. The suspect was described as a white male adult, wearing a white button shirt, and blue jeans. Arthur’s sister stated she had never seen the suspect in the area before.
REVIEW: Police document
READ: News Articles from 1985
LISTEN: The Badge and Beyond: Inside the World of LVMPD Unsolved: A Child's Life Cut Short in 1985
Suspect sketch:
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com.
Case #: 83-78851
Victim: Lisa Traver
Suspect: Unknown
Location: Desert area west of 215, off Ann Road
Date: Between October 19, 1983, and October 31, 1983
Synopsis: Lisa Traver was last seen at Brinley Middle School on October 19, 1983. On October 31, 1983, Lisa’s body was discovered in the desert area at the far west end of Ann Road. The parents had filed a missing persons report when Lisa failed to return home from school on the 19th. The Coroner’s Office listed Lisa’s cause of death as blunt force trauma to the head.
READ: News Articles from 1983
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com.
Case #: 83-26198
Victim: Cathryn Tighe
Suspect: Unknown
Location: Desert area north of Indios and east of Mountain Vista, Las Vegas, NV
Date: Between February 7, 1983 and March 2, 1983
Synopsis: Cathryn Tighe was last seen at Chaparral High School on February 7, 1983. On March 2, 1983 the victim was discovered in the desert area near Indios and Twain, covered by debris. The parents of the victim had filed a missing persons report when Cathryn failed to return home from school on February 7, 1983. The coroner's office listed the cause of death as manual strangulation. No suspect has ever been identified.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com.
Case #: 83-29567
Victim: Norma Gonzales, 25
Suspect: Unknown
Location: Brownstone Canyon, Red Rock National Recreation Area
Date: Discovered – February 20, 1983
Synopsis: On February 20, 1983, Norma Gonzales' body was discovered by a family four-wheeling in the Red Rock Canyon NRA. Norma was last seen alive in the downtown area of Las Vegas where she lived with her infant daughter. Norma left her infant daughter with a babysitter; Norma had been hired by a local business but never showed for her first day at work. Norma was reported missing on February 17. An autopsy determined Norma died from a gunshot wound.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com.
Case: 82-98206
Victim: Cynthia Jo Dane
Suspect: Unknown
Location: Room at the Castaway Hotel
Date: December 23-24, 1982
Synopsis: On December 24, 1982, Cynthia Jo Dane’s father discovered her nude body in a shared room at the Castaway Hotel. Cynthia Jo was last seen alive gambling in several hotels and by her father on December 23, 1982 at 10:00 p.m. It was determined through autopsy, Cynthia Jo had died from multiple stab wounds. Cynthia Jo was also the victim of a robbery.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com.
Case#: 82-69028
Victim: Amado Ivan Diaz, 27
Suspect: Unknown
Location: Desert area near the Buffalo Bar, 5408 South Paradise Road, Las Vegas, NV
Date: August 8-9, 1982
Synopsis: Between approximately 10:30 p.m. on August 8, 1982, and 12:45 a.m. on August 9, 1982, the body of a White male adult was discovered lying on the ground in a desert area near the Buffalo Bar by two patrons who were leaving the establishment.
An autopsy conducted by the Clark County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Amado Ivan Diaz. The Coroner determined that Diaz’s cause of death was strangulation. Shortly after the homicide, Diaz’s body was struck by a semi-truck and trailer, which caused additional injuries, including trauma to the head and chest.
The investigation revealed that Diaz had been speaking with two men while playing pool inside the Buffalo Bar earlier in the evening, prior to leaving at approximately 10:45–11:00 p.m. At around 11:15 p.m., the two men also left the bar.
The first man was described as a White male adult, 5’7”–5’8” tall, weighing 165–175 pounds, with a stocky build, reddish-brown hair, a full beard, and a ruddy complexion. The second man was described as a White male adult, approximately 6’ tall, with a thin build, weighing about 150 pounds, and short dark-brown hair.
Witnesses stated they did not see Diaz again after he left the bar, nor did they see the two men who departed shortly after him.
READ: Las Vegas Review Journal and Las Vegas Sun Articles August 9-10, 1982
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com
Case#: 82-65795
Victim: Ann Marie Conrad, 57
Suspect: Unknown
Location: Lake Mead Recreational Area – Boulder Beach
Date: July 25, 1982
Synopsis: On July 25, 1982, Ann Conrad’s body was found near the rear of the Lake Mead Resort, adjacent to the Boulder Beach area of Lake Mead. She was last seen alive during the evening of July 24, 1982, by her son. An autopsy revealed the victim had died from blunt force trauma and had her throat cut. Her body had been dumped in the area where she was located.
The LVMPD Homicide Section continued their investigation to a point in which there was no new information or leads to follow-up on and the death of Ann Marie Conrad is an unsolved murder at this point.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com
Case#: 82-66769
Victim: Peter Charles Katsapis, 33
Suspect: Unknown
Location: Blue Angel Motel, Room 273, 2110 East Fremont Street, Las Vegas, NV
Date: Between June 28-30, 1982
Synopsis: On Friday, July 30, 1982, at approximately 1:22 a.m., a friend discovered the body of Peter Charles Katsapis inside Room 273 of the Blue Angel Motel, located at 2110 Fremont Street.
An autopsy conducted by the Clark County Coroner’s Office determined that Katsapis died from perforating stab wounds to the chest. His death was ruled a homicide.
The investigation revealed that Katsapis had recently moved to Las Vegas from Tucson, Arizona, and may have been involved in narcotics activity. Detectives believe the motive for the murder may have been related to money owed. Investigators also learned that several individuals had entered and exited Katsapis’ motel room prior to his death.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com
Case#: 82-59304
Victim: Bennie Marvin Moreno, 29
Suspect: Unknown
Location: Pearson Park area near E Street and McWilliams Avenue, Las Vegas, NV
Date: June 26, 1982
Synopsis: On June 26, 1982, at approximately 9:56 a.m., LVMPD patrol officers responded to a report of a possible deceased male inside a blue station wagon near E Street and McWilliams Avenue. Upon arrival, officers found the vehicle locked but could see the body of a White male lying partially on the floorboard. Blood was visible on the seat and in several areas of the vehicle.
An autopsy conducted by the Clark County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as 29-year-old Bennie M. Moreno. Moreno was wearing tan pants, a blue pullover shirt, and brown socks. The Coroner ruled the death a homicide caused by severe blunt force trauma and asphyxia resulting from a crushing injury to the larynx and trachea.
The investigation revealed that Moreno had gone to bed around 10:00 p.m. the night before but later got up and drove his blue station wagon to Henry’s Liquors, approximately one-quarter mile from where his vehicle was later discovered. Detectives believe Moreno intended to purchase narcotics, and that whoever entered his vehicle during the transaction physically attacked and robbed him.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com
Case #: 82-55730
Victim: Bruce Vought
Suspect: Unknown
Location: 300 S. 1st Street, Las Vegas, NV 89101
Date: Between June 13-14, 1982
Synopsis: On June 14, 1982, at approximately 2:34 p.m., the manager of the Las Vegan Motel, located at 300 S. 1st Street, entered motel rooms 16 and 18, which were connected by an adjoining bathroom.
While cleaning the rooms, she discovered a significant amount of blood on the floor, bed, and bedding. She then checked the shower area and found the occupant of room 16 deceased, wearing checkered pants with suspenders and a torn shirt.
An autopsy conducted by the Clark County Coroner’s Office determined the cause of death to be multiple stab wounds, with additional blunt force trauma to the head and neck area. The manner of death was ruled a homicide. The victim was identified as 64-year-old Bruce Vought.
Motel records indicated that Vought had rented room 16 and listed his residence as San Diego, California. The investigation revealed that Vought was likely the victim of a robbery.
READ: Las Vegas Review Journal and Las Vegas Sun Articles June 15, 1982
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com
Case #: 82-54942
Victim: James Kerr
Suspect: Unknown
Location: 207 N. 11th Street, Room 6, Las Vegas, NV 89101
Date: June 7, 1982
Synopsis: On June 7, 1982, at approximately 11:15 a.m., the body of a White male adult was discovered inside Room 6 of the Moonlight Motel, located at 207 N. 11th Street. The victim was deceased, had been tied up, and the room appeared to have been ransacked.
An autopsy conducted by the Clark County Coroner’s Office determined that the victim, identified as 71-year-old James Kerr, died from asphyxia and had suffered blunt force trauma. His death was ruled a homicide.
During the investigation, homicide detectives learned that Kerr had won a Keno ticket at the El Cortez Hotel and Casino the day before his death. Detectives believe Kerr was the victim of a robbery.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com
Case #: 82-54051
Victim: Krista Lee Elliott
Suspect: Unknown WMA, approximately 25 to 30 years at the time of the crime. 5'8" to 5'10", 140 lbs to 165 lbs. Registered using the name Gerry Simms, thought to be false information.
Location: Frontier Hotel
Date: June 2, 1982
Synopsis: On June 2, 1982 a maid at the Frontier Hotel entered room # 2054 for routine cleaning. The maid discovered the victim lying in the bed with a large amount of blood on the bed and sheets. The room was registered to a man who gave a false name and address, using cash. The victim had numerous stab wounds.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com
Case #: 82-47574
Victim: Richard Arlen Raynor, 43
Suspect: Unknown
Location: 4587 E. Lake Mead #18, Las Vegas, NV
Date: May 4, 1982
Synopsis: On May 4, 1981, Richard Raynor's 13-year-old daughter returned home from school to discover her father dead just inside of the front door to their home. The daughter ran to a neighbors screaming for help. Homicide investigators responded to begin the investigation. The cause of death was multiple stab wounds to the back and chest. The home appeared to have been ransacked. Investigators determined that the killing occurred sometime between 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. None of the neighbors heard or saw anything out of the ordinary.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com.
Case #: 82-47513
Victim: Laura Marie Cowen, 16
Suspect: Unknown
Location: On Washington Ave., East of Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV
Date: May 4, 1982
Synopsis: On May 4, 1982, at approximately 4:23 a.m., a bus driver had just started his route traveling eastbound on Washington Boulevard when he observed the body of a female lying in the roadway. He contacted 9-1-1 requesting police response.
The victim had numerous abrasions and bruising about the head, neck, and stomach and was pronounced deceased on the scene.
An autopsy conducted by the Clark County Coroner’s Office determined the victim died of blunt force trauma to the head and manual strangulation. She was later identified as Laura Marie Cowen.
Investigators determined Cowen had ties to New Berlin, Wisconsin and Mohave County, Arizona (Bullhead City area).
The investigation suggests Cowen was rolled from a moving vehicle after she was already deceased on East Washington Avenue.
The victim was transported by unknown person or persons to that location and died as a result of multiple gunshot wounds.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com
Case #: 82-37051
Victim: Edilberto Benitez, 34
Victim: James Graves, 22
Suspect: Unknown
Location: 235 W. Philadelphia Avenue, Apartment 6, Las Vegas, NV
Date: March 18, 1982
Synopsis: Victim was in Las Vegas attending a Chevron Oil employee's convention. He was last seen at the Library Restaurant located at Las Vegas Blvd. and Sahara after having dinner with fellow business associates around 8pm. At approximately 9:30pm a man driving westbound on Lake Mead Blvd approximately 1 ½ miles east of Mt. Hood Blvd. observed a man's body lying on the side of the road and stopped to further investigate. The citizen then stopped and telephoned the LVMPD to advise of his discovery.
The victim was transported by unknown person or persons to that location and died as a result of multiple gunshot wounds.
READ: Las Vegas Sun March 18, 1982
READ: Las Vegas Review Journal March 23, 1982
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com
Case #: 82-30003
Victim: Burt Henry McMahon
Suspect: Unknown
Location: Victim found in desert area 1 ½ miles east of Mt. Hood on south side of Lake Mead Blvd approximately 10 feet from the roadway.
Date: February 16, 1982
Synopsis: Victim was in Las Vegas attending a Chevron Oil employee's convention. He was last seen at the Library Restaurant located at Las Vegas Blvd. and Sahara after having dinner with fellow business associates around 8pm. At approximately 9:30pm a man driving westbound on Lake Mead Blvd approximately 1 ½ miles east of Mt. Hood Blvd. observed a man's body lying on the side of the road and stopped to further investigate. The citizen then stopped and telephoned the LVMPD to advise of his discovery.
The victim was transported by unknown person or persons to that location and died as a result of multiple gunshot wounds.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com
Case #: 82-20503
Victim: Pedro Miguel Arredondo
Suspect: Unknown
Location: Desert area south of 850 Desert Inn Road, Las Vegas, NV
Date: January 16-19, 1982
Synopsis: On January 19, 1982, at approximately 2:15 p.m., a male walking to work at Sunrise Hospital cut through an empty lot and discovered a deceased body. He continued to his workplace and contacted LVMPD to request a police response.
The victim was identified as Pedro Miguel Arredondo. Based on the scene, it appeared the suspect or suspects attempted to rob him of U.S. currency.
An autopsy by the Clark County Coroner’s Office determined that Arredondo died from blunt force injuries to the head.
The investigation revealed Arredondo had been living at the Long Horn Hotel. Detectives contacted the hotel manager, who stated he last saw Arredondo on January 16, 1982, at approximately 7:30 p.m.
Detectives also learned Arredondo had recently argued with two Cuban males and had been struck in the head with an unknown object. He did not file a police report or seek medical treatment. It is unknown if these individuals were involved in his murder.
READ: Las Vegas Sun Article January 20-21, 1982
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com
Case #: 82-43301
Victim: Hugh T. Dow, 89
Suspect: Unknown
Location: 1013 E. Bridger Street, Las Vegas, NV
Date: April 10-16, 1982
Synopsis: On Friday, April 16, 1982, at approximately 1:00 p.m., a neighbor went to check on her friend, Hugh Dow, whom she had not seen in several days.
When she knocked on the door, she received no answer. She tried the door handle, which opened freely, and upon looking inside observed that the apartment had been ransacked. She then saw the body of Mr. Dow lying in a pool of blood. She immediately exited the apartment and contacted police.
During the investigation, homicide detectives learned from neighbors that Mr. Dow had last been seen or heard from on April 10, 1982.
The Clark County Coroner’s Office conducted an autopsy and determined Mr. Dow had died from a laceration to the throat and a severed trachea.
READ: Las Vegas Review Journal Articles April 17-20, 1982
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com
Case #: 82-20503
Victim: Everett (or Everette) Ray Mullins, 27
Suspect: Unknown
Location: Intersection of McGuire Street and Hoffman Circle, Las Vegas, NV
Date: January 7, 1982
Synopsis: On January 7, 1982, at approximately 1:51 a.m., LVMPD patrol officers observed a cab parked in the intersection of McGuire Street and Hoffman Circle with the back window blown out.
As officers approached, they noted the cab’s engine was still running and discovered the driver lying across the front seat. The driver was deceased.
An autopsy by the Clark County Coroner’s Office determined the victim, identified as Everett (or Everette) Ray Mullins, had been shot multiple times in the back of the head. Mullins was working as a cab driver for North Las Vegas Cab Company at the time of his death.
Detectives reviewed the cab’s trip sheet and learned Mullins had last picked up a fare at the Las Vegas Club at Main Street and Fremont Street at approximately 1:31 a.m. He then transported one passenger to the 1500 block of McGuire Street, an apartment complex.
A description of that fare was obtained from a valet at the Las Vegas Club. Detectives canvassed the apartment complex but were unable to locate anyone matching the description.
Suspect Description: Black male adult, approximately 20 years old, about 6’0” tall, slender build with a medium afro hairstyle. Last seen wearing a light blue windbreaker.
READ: Las Vegas Review Journal Article January 7, 1981
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com
Case #: 81-99583
Victim: Poydras Orlando Page, 20
Suspect: Unknown
Location: 500 Jefferson Street, Las Vegas, NV
Date: December 20, 1981
Synopsis: On December 20, 1981, at approximately 7:22 p.m., Poydras Orlando Page was shot in the face during a robbery in the 500 block of Jefferson Street.
Earlier that evening, LVMPD received a 911 call from two victims who reported being robbed near F Street and Jefferson Street. Patrol officers responded and were directed by the victims to the 500 block of Jefferson Street.
Upon arrival, officers discovered that Page had been shot near a stairwell on the ground floor of an apartment complex. He was transported to Southern Nevada Memorial Hospital, where he succumbed to his injury on December 27, 1981. The Clark County Coroner determined Page died from a single gunshot wound to the head.
Witnesses reported seeing two Black male adults exit a brown station wagon and approach a group of men. One suspect, armed with a handgun, demanded to know the location of marijuana. A witness was forced to the rear of the building, where the second suspect stole his money and watch. Another witness observed the armed suspect shoot Page. Both suspects fled northbound through the complex.
Suspect Descriptions:
-
Suspect #1 (Armed):
-
- Black male adult, approximately 28 years old
- Thin build, thin mustache
- Wearing sunglasses and a floppy-brimmed hat
- Black leather jacket and dark brown pants
- Suspect #2:
- Black male adult, approximately 30 years old
- About 5’8” tall, stocky build
- Wearing black clothing and a small-brimmed hat
- Dark long-sleeve sweater and blue jeans
READ: Las Vegas Review Journal Article December 21-28, 1981
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com
Case #: 81-94834
Victim: Willie Curtis Jamerson, 59
Suspect: Two unknown males
Location: 712 W. McWilliams Avenue, Apartment A, Las Vegas, NV
Date: November 29, 1981
Synopsis: On November 29, 1981, Willie Curtis Jamerson was involved in a physical altercation with two unknown males at his residence located at 712 W. McWilliams Avenue, Apartment A. He was later found unresponsive on the floor of his apartment and transported to Southern Nevada Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
A witness described the suspects as follows:
-
Suspect #1: Black male, approximately 30 years old, 5’10” tall, 180 pounds, muscular build with broad shoulders. He was last seen wearing a red and blue plaid long-sleeve shirt, green pants, and alligator shoes.
-
Suspect #2: Black male, approximately 21 years old, 5’8” tall, 140 pounds, slim build. He was last seen wearing a blue denim jacket, gray V-neck sweater, old jeans, and white tennis shoes.
An autopsy determined the cause of death to be strangulation.
READ: Las Vegas Review Journal Articles November 30 - December 1, 1981
READ: Las Vegas Sun Article December 2, 1981
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com
Case #: 81-94278
Victim: George Asdourain
Suspect: Unknown
Location: 3793 Casa Colorado Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89121
Date: November 27, 1981
Synopsis: On November 27, 1981, at approximately 2:00 p.m., a U.S. Postal Service mail carrier approached a residence in the 3700 block of Casa Colorado to deliver mail. At that time, he observed the body of a white male adult on the ground, bloody and unresponsive, and immediately contacted police.
An autopsy conducted by the Clark County Coroner’s Office revealed the victim died from a gunshot wound to the torso.
The victim was identified as George Asdourain, who lived at the residence. Through the investigation, detectives determined that Asdourain was shot either while attempting to enter or leave his home.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com
Case #: 81-93622
Victim: Robert Edward Brandt, 56
Suspect: Unknown
Location: U.S. 95 Northbound at mile marker 96 - near the Mt. Charleston turnoff
Date: November 24, 1981
Synopsis: On November 23, 1981, at approximately 10:43 a.m., Robert Edward Brandt was last seen leaving the Fashion Show Mall on the Las Vegas Strip. At the time, he was working in the shipping business.
On November 24, 1981, at approximately 10:55 a.m., Brandt was reported missing to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department by his wife. She told detectives he had last been seen wearing a red velour jacket, dark blue pants, and a gold coin ring.
Later that same day, at approximately 6:35 p.m., Brandt’s vehicle, a 1979 two-door light blue Cadillac, was located on the shoulder of U.S. 95 near mile marker 96. Inside the trunk, detectives discovered Brandt’s body. He had been fatally shot and was the victim of a robbery. U.S. currency, one ring, and a plaque were missing, although other jewelry remained on his person.
The investigation revealed that the last place Brandt was seen alive was near a warehouse in the 4400 block of South Valley View Boulevard, where he was picking up and dropping off shipping materials for his business. Detectives believe he was followed from this location, confronted after leaving his customers, forced into the trunk of his vehicle, and then driven to the area where his car was abandoned. There, he was shot and killed.
REVIEW: Pawn Shop Alert regarding victim's ring
READ: Las Vegas Review Journal and Las Vegas Sun November 25, 27, 1981
READ: Las Vegas Review Journal November 26, 1981
READ: Las Vegas Review Journal November 26, 27, December 9, 1981
READ: Las Vegas Review Journal December 6, 1981
READ: Las Vegas Review Journal December 6, 1981 (continued from article above)
READ: Las Vegas Review Journal December 7, 1981
READ: Las Vegas Review Journal April 17, 1983
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com
Case #: 81-93147
Victim: Douglas Duane Caton, 48
Suspect: Unknown
Location: Desert area near Pabco Road and Hollywood Blvd.
Date: November 18-21, 1981
Synopsis: On November 21, 1981, at approximately 1:00 p.m., an officer conducting routine patrol discovered the body of a white male adult at the bottom of an embankment in the desert area near Pabco Road and
Hollywood Boulevard. The victim was partially wrapped in a moving blanket.
The Clark County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Douglas Duane Caton, from Indiana. An autopsy determined the cause of death was blunt force trauma and a gunshot wound to the head.
During the investigation, homicide detectives learned Caton had been attempting to sell properties in both Indiana and Las Vegas with a business partner. Several other individuals were identified as being connected to the property sales and loans.
Caton was reported missing to LVMPD on November 18, 1981, after he failed to contact his girlfriend.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com
CASE #: 81-91752
Victim: Geraldine Bertrand, 44
Suspect: Unknown
Location: Four Queens Hotel and Casino, Room #1009
Date: November 15, 1981
Synopsis: On November 12, 1981, Geraldine Bertrand checked into Room 1009 at the Four Queens Hotel and Casino. She was scheduled to check out on November 15, 1981.
On November 15, 1981, at approximately 9:30 a.m., a bellman for the Four Queens entered Room 1009 and discovered a body partially protruding from beneath the bed. He immediately exited the room and summoned hotel security, who then contacted police.
When Homicide Detectives arrived, they observed the body of Geraldine Bertrand partially under the bed, with the room’s contents scattered. She was partially clothed.
An autopsy conducted by the Clark County Coroner’s Office revealed that Geraldine had been stabbed multiple times after suffering blunt force trauma to the head.
Four Queens security personnel told detectives they observed Geraldine with a white male adult, approximately 24–27 years old, drinking in the casino. She was later seen entering the elevator with the same male around 10:30 p.m. on November 13, 1981. The male was described as approximately 5’11” tall, weighing 155–170 pounds, with dirty blonde hair worn in a ponytail, blonde facial hair, and a chipped left front tooth. He also spoke with a slight southern accent.
Another Four Queens security officer reported seeing both Geraldine and the same male on the 10th floor around 1:00 a.m. on November 14, 1981.
During the investigation, detectives learned that U.S. currency was the only item taken during the murder of Geraldine Bertrand.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com
CASE #: 81-88647
Victim: Stanley Jerry Blanco, 35
Suspect: Unknown
Location: Desert Area, one mile east of Charleston Avenue and Hollywood Blvd.
Date: November 1, 1981
Synopsis: On November 1, 1981, at approximately 3:45 p.m., the body of a white male adult was located in the desert area by a juvenile riding his motorcycle.
The male was identified during autopsy at the Clark County Coroner’s Office as Stanley Jerry Blanco, also known as Jerry Daniel Blanco.
The investigation determined Blanco had been shot multiple times. At the time of his death, he was wearing a brown long-sleeve shirt and blue jeans.
Blanco’s girlfriend reported him missing after her last contact with him on October 30, 1981, at Sam’s Town. She told detectives she dropped him off at his apartment around 5:00 p.m. on that date and had not seen or heard from him since.
Homicide detectives later located the weapon used in the shooting at a pawn shop in Las Vegas. Persons of interest were developed in this case.
In July 1996, suspect Howard Coombs was sentenced to 10 years to life for the murder, along with an additional six years for conspiracy to commit murder. Detectives had originally charged the victim’s fiancé, Lorna D’Venne, in connection with the case; however, those charges were ultimately dismissed.
Detectives believe there is still an outstanding suspect in this case.
READ: Metro Police Press Release March 25, 1993
READ: Las Vegas Review Journal and Las Vegas Sun March 26, 1993
READ: Las Vegas Sun March 29, 1993
READ: Las Vegas Sun March 29, 1993 Continued
READ: Las Vegas Review Journal August 5-19, 1993
READ: Las Vegas Review Journal March 3, 1994
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com
CASE #: 81-79966
Victim: Brandie Rochelle Wilkins, 19
Suspect: Unknown
Location: Desert Area, approximately 1/4 mile west of the south entrance of the Silver State Disposal Site
Date: September 25, 1981
Synopsis:
On September 25, 1981, at approximately 4:30 p.m., the body of a female adult was discovered in the desert area on the far east end of Vegas Valley Drive, approximately ¼ mile from the south entrance of the Silver State Disposal site.
An autopsy conducted by the Clark County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as 19-year-old Brandie Rochelle Wilkins. Her cause of death was determined to be a gunshot wound.
Through the course of the investigation, a person of interest was identified; however, no arrest was made. Wilkins was last seen at the Campus Lounge, located at 101 Grier Drive, Las Vegas.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com
CASE #: 81-71974
Victim: Victoria Lana Edwards, 36
Suspect: Unknown
Location: 5812 W. Washington Ave., Apartment A, Las Vegas, NV
Date: August 24-25, 1981
Synopsis: On August 25, 1981, at approximately 1:28 a.m., LVMPD patrol officers observed a large amount of smoke in the area of 5812 West Washington Avenue and responded to investigate. Upon arrival, officers determined the smoke was coming from Apartment A. A witness told officers she had left the apartment at approximately 1:10 a.m. and returned 10–15 minutes later to find heavy smoke.
The Clark County Fire Department responded and extinguished a fire located in the bedroom. Inside the room, they discovered the body of a deceased White female lying face down on the bed.
An autopsy conducted by the Clark County Coroner identified the victim as Victoria Lana Edwards. The cause of death was determined to be strangulation.
Homicide detectives noted signs of a physical altercation in the living room, including blood spatter, indicating a struggle had occurred prior to the fire being set.
Edwards was last seen alive at the 4 Kegs bar approximately 48 hours before her death.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com
CASE #: 81-64607
Victim: Kendall L. Bright, 54
Suspect: Unknown
Location: South Parking Lot, Stardust Hotel and Casino 3000 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV
Date: July 24, 1981
Synopsis: On July 24, 1981, at approximately 9:45 p.m., a Stardust Hotel Security Officer located an ACE cab parked in the south lot near the tennis courts and helipad. The cab’s engine and headlights were on, and the meter was running.
The driver, later identified as Kendall L. Bright, was found slumped over the steering wheel suffering from a gunshot wound.
The investigation revealed Bright had been the victim of a robbery and had likely just picked up a fare, which had not yet been logged on his trip sheet. Detectives believe the suspect was seated in the back seat when they shot Bright in the head.
READ: Press Release July 29, 1981
READ: Las Vegas Review Journal and Las Vegas Sun, Article July 25-26, 1981
READ: Las Vegas Review Journal, Las Vegas Sun, Valley Times Article July 27-31, 1981
READ: Las Vegas Review Journal Article July 28, 1981
READ: Las Vegas Review Journal Article July 31, 1981
READ: Las Vegas Review Journal Article August 8, 1981
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit www.CrimeStoppersOfNV.com
Case #: 81-57755
Victim: #1 Jack Rabinowitsch, 72
Victim: #2 Xenia Rabinowitsch, 72
Suspect: Unknown
Location: 2856 La Casita Ave., Las Vegas, NV
Date: Between June 23, 1981 and June 25, 1981
Synopsis: On June 25, 1981, Jack and Xenia Rabinowitsch were discovered murdered inside their home. Both victims were found face down on the bed with their hands behind their backs. They had been shot and the initial investigation characterized the deaths as an execution. Investigator located several safes, which had been opened, throughout the house. Money, jewelry, and rare coins were still in place. Other items of great value appeared to have gone untouched. One drawer from one of the safes was missing. Relatives indicated that the drawer contained paperwork/documents of unknown origin and/or significance.
The Rabinowitschs were known for their anti-communist stance and assistance to immigrants from the Soviet Union. Las Vegas detectives worked with agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation because of possible connections to other related investigations in other States. The person(s) responsible where never identified.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com
Case #: 81-53656
Victim: William O. Hutchinson, 54
Suspect: Unknown
Location: Main Street and Bridger Avenue – Loading Dock of LV Transfer & Storage
Date: June 6, 1981
Synopsis: On June 6, 1981, William O. Hutchinson, a 54-year-old male who was partially disabled, was discovered injured in the loading dock area of LV Transfer & Storage, located near Main Street and Bridger Avenue.
A witness found Hutchinson unresponsive and bleeding from the head. He was transported to Southern Nevada Memorial Hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
During a canvass of the area, detectives located Hutchinson’s wallet nearby. It appeared to have been rummaged through, and no U.S. currency was found inside, indicating a robbery had occurred.
Hutchinson was believed to be from the Riverside, California area.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com
Case #: 81-49188
Victim: Francisco Quinones, 57
Suspect: Unknown
Location: Alleyway behind MidCity Furniture, 501 N Main Street, Las Vegas, NV
Date: May 17, 1981
Synopsis: On May 17, 1981, at approximately 4:02 p.m., a witness observed two men in a red 1979–1981 Thunderbird pull into the alleyway behind MidCity Furniture. The men removed a body from the vehicle and fled the scene through the alley.
The witness ran to the nearby Holiday Inn Casino and contacted a security officer, who then notified police.
The Clark County Coroner’s Office later identified the victim as Francisco Quinones. He was wearing a white jacket, khaki shirt, khaki pants, and brown shoes with socks. His death was ruled a homicide caused by a gunshot wound and blunt force trauma to the head.
The suspects were described as follows:
-
A Latin male, approximately 40 years old, with black hair, wearing a blue flowered shirt
-
A White male, approximately 30 years old, 6'1", 175–180 lbs, with dark brown hair, wearing a blue t-shirt and black slacks, and carrying a large-caliber revolver
When the witness tried to get close enough to see the license plate on the vehicle, the suspects noticed him. One of the men pointed a gun in the witness’s direction before the suspects fled the area at a high rate of speed.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com
Case #: 81-49046
Victim: Edward Henry Helzer, 65
Suspect: Unknown
Location: 417 S Las Vegas Boulevard (Toot’s Bar), Las Vegas, NV
Date: May 16, 1981
Synopsis: On May 16, 1981, at approximately 3:45 a.m., Edward Helzer was the victim of a robbery behind Toot’s Bar, located at 417 S Las Vegas Boulevard. Helzer was approached by two males who asked for help starting their car. When he went to assist them, he was struck in the back of the head.
The suspects stole Helzer’s wallet, which was later found emptied nearby. Helzer did not immediately report the incident and returned home to care for his injuries.
The following day, his wife convinced him to seek medical attention. Helzer was admitted to the hospital due to his head trauma, later fell into a coma, and died from his injuries on June 14, 1986.
READ: Las Vegas Review Journal Article June 18, 1981
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com
Case #: 81-47425
Victim: Ruben Ferrer Arias Bartolo, 27
Suspect: Unknown
Location: 120 W Philadelphia Avenue, Apartment #4, Las Vegas, NV
Date: May 9, 1981
Synopsis: On May 9, 1981, at approximately 3:06 p.m., LVMPD Officers responded to 120 W Philadelphia Avenue and located a Hispanic male adult lying on the ground in front of Apartment #4.
A witness stated the male, later identified as Ruben Ferrer Arias Bartolo, had exited the apartment clutching his abdomen, saying he had been stabbed and asking for help. The witness called 911, and Bartolo was transported to Southern Nevada Memorial Hospital, where he later died.
The suspect was last seen fleeing the apartment complex on foot.
The investigation revealed Bartolo had been renting a room inside Apartment #4. An argument had occurred between Bartolo and an unknown male, during which Bartolo was stabbed.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com
Case #: 81-43196
Victim: #1 Edward Ray Lankford, 21
Victim: #2 Jack Lee Walker, 22
Suspect: Unknown
Location: Desert area of El Rancho Hotel Property, near South Las Vegas Boulevard and Sahara Avenue
Date: April 28, 1981
Synopsis: On April 28, 1981, at approximately 10:30 p.m., LVMPD Homicide Detectives responded to the west side of South Las Vegas Boulevard, just south of Sahara Avenue, in the desert area formerly known as the El Rancho Hotel Property. Both male victims were found lying on the ground beneath a tree.
An autopsy conducted by the Clark County Coroner’s Office determined both victims died from multiple stab wounds.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com
Case #: 81-43196
Victim: Kimlee Ellington, 18
Suspect: Unknown
Location: Desert area near the 6600 block of Tropicana Avenue, near Jimmy Durante Boulevard
Date: April 19-20, 1981
Synopsis: On April 20, 1981, at approximately 9:00 a.m., Homicide Detectives responded to the desert area near the 6600 block of Tropicana Avenue after the body of a white female adult was discovered in the trunk of an abandoned vehicle.
The victim was found nude and wrapped in a blanket. Her clothing was also located inside the trunk.
The Clark County Coroner’s Office conducted an autopsy and identified the victim as 18-year-old Kimlee Ellington. Her parents advised detectives they had last seen her on April 18, 1981.
READ: Las Vegas Review Journal, Las Vegas Sun and Valley Times Articles April 21, April 27, 1981
READ: Las Vegas Sun Article April 22, 1981
READ: Las Vegas Review Journal Article May 3, 1981
READ: Las Vegas Review Journal Article April 10, 1983
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com
Case #: 81-39210
Victim: Michael Robert Baker, 23
Suspect: Unknown
Location: North Shore Road, Mile Marker 45.3
Date: April 2, 1981
Synopsis: On Thursday, April 2, 1981, at approximately 5:00 p.m., Homicide Detectives were requested to respond to Lake Mead National Recreation Area after a Park Ranger located a deceased male near Mile Marker 45.3 on North Shore Road. The ranger had been alerted by a family visiting the area who had come across the body while hunting snakes.
The victim had been wrapped up, partially buried, and a flammable liquid had been used in an apparent attempt to set the body on fire.
The Clark County Coroner’s Office later identified the victim as 23-year-old Michael Robert Baker through fingerprint analysis during autopsy.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com
Case #: 81-39017
Victim: Herbert James Myers, 65
Suspect: Unknown
Location: Corner of 1st Street and Bonneville, Las Vegas, NV
Date: April 2, 1981
Synopsis: At about 2:00 a.m., Herbert Myers was found face down on the sidewalk with a wound to his head. The person who discovered Herbert called for police and medical help. Herbert was transported to the Southern Nevada Memorial Hospital were he died during surgery. It was discovered that Herbert had suffered a blow to the head; the official cause of death was blunt force injury to the head.
Homicide detectives discovered Herbert had just left the Casbah Bar & Hotel where he had been drinking. According to the bartender, Herbert had been bragging about winning a large amount of money when in fact, he had to borrow $5.00 from the bartender. Several items of personal property were found lying on the ground near Herbert's body, along with an object believed to have been used to bludgeon Herbert. There were no known witnesses to the attack.
READ: Las Vegas Review Journal and Las Vegas Sun Article April 3, May 29 , 1981
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com.
Case #: 81-31204
Victim: Jessie Flores, 27
Suspect: Unknown
Location: Circle Park at Boston Avenue and Fairfield Street
Date: February 26, 1981
Synopsis: On Thursday, February 26, 1981, at approximately 6:00 p.m., LVMPD Homicide Detectives responded to Circle Park near Boston Avenue and Fairfield Street regarding a male who had been shot. The victim, later identified as 27-year-old Jessie Flores, was transported to Southern Nevada Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
Witnesses stated that Flores had been sitting at a table in the park with several other Hispanic males, consuming alcoholic beverages. A male, described as being of Cuban or mixed Black descent, walked by and began taunting the group. An argument broke out between the suspect and Flores. The suspect walked away toward the Forest Lane Apartments but returned approximately 15 minutes later and again confronted the group.
The argument escalated, and the suspect produced a handgun and shot Flores before fleeing northbound on Fairfield Street.
The suspect was described as a dark-skinned Cuban or Black male adult, approximately 5’6” to 5’8” tall, thin build, wearing blue jeans and a straw-style floppy hat. He spoke Spanish and had about two days’ growth of facial hair.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com.
Case #: 81-29552
Victim: Arthur Jones, 54
Suspect: Unknown
Location: 336 East Desert Inn Road #494, Las Vegas, NV, 89109
Date: February 19, 1981 at 10:20 p.m.
Synopsis: On February 19, 1981, at approximately 10:20 p.m., LVMPD patrol officers responded to the Bali Hai Hotel at 336 East Desert Inn Road after a night manager reported a disturbance in one of the rooms. A hotel guest had complained about a fight occurring nearby.
When officers arrived and attempted to contact the occupant, there was no response. The night manager eventually opened the door, revealing a ransacked room and the body of a deceased male inside.
The reporting witness told detectives he had spoken with the victim around 8:00 p.m. when they encountered each other in the hallway due to a problem with their doors. At approximately 9:25 p.m., the witness said he heard what sounded like high heels outside and looked out his window. He observed two Black males walking in single file—one of them carrying what appeared to be a chrome revolver behind his back.
The witness then heard a door being forced open, a male voice yelling “No!”, the sounds of a struggle, and a vehicle speeding away.
Hotel records confirmed that 54-year-old Arthur Jones had checked in on February 18, 1981, and was scheduled to check out on February 20. He was visiting Las Vegas from Upland, California, for work.
Jones’ vehicle was recovered the following day near Jacobson Circle in West Las Vegas. An autopsy by the Clark County Coroner determined that Jones died as a result of blunt force trauma and ruled the death a homicide.
READ: Las Vegas Review Journal Article February 20, 1981
READ: Las Vegas Review Journal Article February 21, 1981
READ: Las Vegas Review Journal Article February 22, 1981
READ: Las Vegas Sun Article May 15, 1981
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com.
Case #: 81-28380
Victim: Martina Christina “Tina” Massberg, 24
Suspect: Unknown
Location: 552 Sierra Vista #33, Las Vegas, NV 89169
Date: Between February 13, 10 p.m. and 9:24 a.m. February 14, 1981
Synopsis: On February 14, 1981, at approximately 9:24 a.m., the body of 24-year-old Martina Christina “Tina” Massberg was discovered inside her apartment. She had been sexually assaulted and strangled. A male caller phoned 9-1-1, stating he had arrived at a friend’s apartment and found her deceased. The caller then disconnected without providing further information.
The investigation revealed Massberg had been living alone in the apartment for about one month. She had recently argued with her boyfriend, though the two did not live together. Witnesses who lived in the complex and knew Massberg reported that they did not hear anything unusual during the evening of February 13.
READ: Las Vegas Sun Article December 22, 1983 and January 19, 1984
READ: Las Vegas Sun Article January 17, 1984
READ: Las Vegas Sun Article January 18, 1984
READ: Las Vegas Magazine July 1984
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com.
Case #: 81-27128
Victim: Marva Graham, 29
Suspect: Unknown
Location: 2851 South Decatur Blvd., Apartment #92 Las Vegas, NV 89102
Date: February 9, 1981
Synopsis: On February 9, 1981, at approximately 7:33 p.m., Marva Graham’s boyfriend returned to their residence and discovered Graham deceased on the staircase leading to the upper floor of the apartment. She had been shot once and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Graham’s boyfriend ran to a nearby friend’s home to ask for help. The two armed themselves and searched the apartment while another friend called 911 to request police assistance.
The investigation revealed that Graham may have interrupted a burglary in progress. Detectives noted several items in the apartment were out of place.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com.
Case #: 81-26336
Victim: Joseph F. Murray, 31
Suspect: Unknown
Location: 4725 South Valley View, Las Vegas, NV 89103
Date: February 5, 1981, between 6:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Synopsis: On February 5, 1981, at approximately 5:40 p.m., 31-year-old Joseph Murray dropped off his girlfriend for work at the Sahara Hotel and Casino while driving her black 1979 Chevy Camaro. Afterward, he was expected to proceed to the Mayflower Moving Company on South Valley View Boulevard to wash the vehicle. Murray was also a former employee of the business.
A short time later, witnesses arrived at the Mayflower Moving Company to retrieve items from a storage locker and discovered Murray lying on the ground in the southeast corner of the parking lot. He had been shot multiple times.
The investigation revealed that Murray had likely been the victim of a robbery, as the Chevy Camaro was missing from the scene. Detectives also discovered that the Mayflower Moving Company had been burglarized, with items stolen from storage lockers and a company vehicle key reported missing.
The Clark County Coroner determined that Murray died from multiple gunshot wounds to vital organs and ruled his death a homicide.
Murray’s vehicle was later recovered at the Kings 8 Hotel. A security guard in the area reported seeing two white male adults loitering near the Camaro. One male was described as wearing a tan or salmon-colored down-filled vest, a white shirt, dark glasses, and having dark hair with a medium build. The second male was also medium build, but no clothing description was provided.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com.
Case #: 81-26039
Victim: Robert Edward Ripley, 66
Suspect: Unknown
Location: 109 West Boston, Apartment #5, Las Vegas, NV 89102
Date: Between February 1-4, 1981
Synopsis: On February 4, 1981, the Clark County Fire Department received a 911 call from a male who reported finding his friend deceased inside an apartment at 109 West Boston #5. Upon arrival, first responders discovered 66-year-old Robert Edward Ripley lying on the floor with apparent gunshot wounds.
The investigation revealed that Ripley, a known gambler, had been the victim of a robbery. His apartment had been ransacked, and jewelry along with other items had been stolen. Evidence at the scene indicated Ripley was shot during a struggle inside his bedroom.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com.
Case#: 80-95469
Victim: Shirley M. Leberman, 40
Suspect: Unknown
Location: 4917 Chantilly Drive, Las Vegas, NV
Date: December 18, 1980
Synopsis: On December 18, 1980, between 11:00 a.m. and 1:52 p.m., Shirley Leberman was shot to death inside her residence located at 4917 Chantilly Drive in Las Vegas.
Leberman had been shot in the head and sexually assaulted.
During the investigation, detectives learned the home had been ransacked and items were missing from the master bedroom.
Leberman had recently moved into the residence with her boyfriend less than two weeks prior.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com.
Case#: 80-92548
Victim: Nancy Olivia Huckabey, 18
Suspect: Unknown
Location: U.S. Highway 93 near Mile Marker 56 – desert area
Date: December 5, 1980
Synopsis: On December 5, 1980, at approximately 11:30 a.m., a motorcyclist riding in the desert discovered the body of a female later identified as Nancy Olivia Huckabey.
Huckabey had been attending college in the Chico, California area but was also known to frequent San Jose and San Francisco.
She was driving a white 1972 Ford Pinto station wagon, which was later recovered from the San Francisco airport.
The investigation revealed that Huckabey may have been moving to or traveling through the Las Vegas area with a male friend for work.
READ: Review Journal and Las Vegas Sun Articles December 6-12, 1980
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com.
Case#: 80-91167
Victim: Sharon L. Messick, AKA Sharon George
Suspect: Unknown
Location: Drainage culvert - 100 yards west of Nellis Blvd. on Stewart Avenue
Date: November 29, 1980
Synopsis: Between November 27 and November 29, 1980, Sharon L. Messick, also known as Sharon George, was murdered at an unknown location. Her body was discovered in a drainage culvert near Nellis Boulevard and Stewart Avenue. At approximately 2:00 p.m. on November 29, children playing in the area found Messick’s body.
An autopsy revealed the cause of death was strangulation by ligature.
The investigation determined that Sharon Messick was last seen alive on September 26, 1980, at the Avis Apartment complex located near 9th Street and Stewart Avenue.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com.
Case#: 80-90789
Victim: Mark Edward McCreedy, 20
Suspect: Unknown
Location: Fireside Restaurant, Gowan Road and Rancho Drive, Las Vegas, NV
Date: November 27, 1980
Synopsis: On November 27, 1980, at approximately 5:14 p.m., LVMPD officers responded to the parking lot of the Fireside Restaurant located near Gowan Road and Rancho Drive. Two men had been shot.
Mark McCreedy was pronounced deceased at the scene. Ronnie Lee Douglas, who had also been shot, survived his injuries. According to Douglas, a verbal altercation had occurred between McCreedy and an unknown male on a motorcycle. Both individuals pulled into the parking lot, where the argument escalated. Douglas reported that both McCreedy and the motorcyclist brandished weapons. The motorcyclist shot both men and then fled the scene on a motorcycle in an unknown direction.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com.
Case #: 80-90511
Victim: George A. LaRosa, 54
Suspect: Unknown
Location: 4770 Topaz Street, Apartment #82, Las Vegas, NV
Date: November 26, 1980
Synopsis: On the evening of November 25, 1980, George A. LaRosa returned to his apartment at 4770 Topaz Street, Unit #82, at approximately 9:00 p.m. Upon entering, he was confronted by an unknown male suspect who had broken into the residence. A violent struggle ensued, during which LaRosa was stabbed multiple times, including in the back and on the top of his head.
Evidence indicated the suspect initially attempted to enter through a window but ultimately gained access by manipulating the lock on the back door.
After the attack, LaRosa was able to exit his apartment in an attempt to seek help but collapsed in front of Apartment #80. The residents of that unit called 911, and LaRosa was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries shortly after midnight on November 26, 1980.
Through the investigation, detectives learned that LaRosa was the owner of The Huddle Bar, located at 4884 South Eastern Avenue. Witnesses stated LaRosa left the bar around 9:00 p.m. and was not believed to be carrying a significant amount of cash, as he typically made his deposits during the day. Multiple residents of the apartment complex reported hearing yelling and commotion around the time of the incident. Notably, LaRosa was still wearing valuable jewelry and had cash on his person when found, which was not taken by the suspect.
READ: Las Vegas Review Journal Article November 27, 1980
READ: Las Vegas Sun Article November 28, 1980
READ: Las Vegas Review Journal Article January 5, 1981
READ: Las Vegas Sun Articles November 27, 1980 and December 21, 1980
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com.
Case #: 80-87731
Victim: Eve Marie Provenzano, 15
Suspect: Unknown
Location: I-15 and Craig Road near the old Williams Racetrack, Las Vegas, NV
Date: November 13, 1980
Synopsis: On November 13, 1980, two individuals in the area of the old Williams Racetrack near I-15 and Craig Road discovered the body of a young female lying beneath a mesquite bush. LVMPD officers responded to the scene and located the deceased, who appeared to be a juvenile. She was dressed in a white sweater, blue jeans, white socks, and tennis shoes.
An autopsy tentatively identified the victim as 15-year-old Eve Marie Provenzano, a reported runaway. It was determined that she died from a gunshot wound.
Provenzano was last seen on the evening of November 12, 1980, at approximately 7:00 p.m. at an apartment complex. During the investigation, detectives received information that an unidentified male—possibly of unknown race—had been seen speaking with Provenzano in the downtown Las Vegas area before her death. The male was reportedly driving a red four-door Buick with unknown license plates.
Further investigation revealed that Eve’s father, Robert Provenzano, had been murdered in Las Vegas in 1979. At the time, there were allegations suggesting he may have been involved in criminal activity.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com.
Case #: 80-85493
Victim: Alfred Henderson Jr., 55
Suspect: Unknown
Location: Near the Brown Derby Bar, 418 Jackson Street, Las Vegas, NV
Date: November 3, 1980
Synopsis: On November 3, 1980, at approximately 9:00 p.m., LVMPD officers responded to a report of a shooting near the Brown Derby bar, located at 418 Jackson Street. The victim, later identified as 55-year-old Alfred Henderson Jr., was found nearby, having collapsed from multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to the hospital and underwent surgery.
Before being taken into surgery, Henderson was able to briefly provide detectives with a description of the suspect and confirm the location of the shooting. He succumbed to his injuries two days later, on November 5, 1980.
Henderson's mother told detectives that he was a disabled U.S. military veteran who had recently relocated to Las Vegas from Oakland, California. The investigation revealed that Henderson had been drinking at the Brown Derby and, at some point after leaving the bar, was shot multiple times. Despite his injuries, he walked away from the scene and flagged down a passing vehicle. The driver was unable to transport him but immediately called 911 to request assistance.
No additional suspect description was provided during the investigation.
READ: Las Vegas Review Journal and Las Vegas Sun Article November 7, 1980
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com.
Case #: 80-84867
Victim: Francis Carol Terry (aka Carol Terry)
Suspect: Unknown
Location: Approximately 4/10 mile south of Nellis Boulevard on South Las Vegas Boulevard (desert area)
Date: November 1, 1980
Synopsis: On November 1, 1980, at approximately 11:30 a.m., a man searching for rocks in a desert area near South Las Vegas Boulevard contacted LVMPD after discovering the body of a deceased female. Responding officers located the body of a white female, estimated to be between 30 and 40 years old. Evidence indicated the victim had been dragged approximately 40 feet from Powerline Road to the location where she was found.
An autopsy determined the victim died from multiple skull and facial fractures, as well as broken ribs. She was later identified through fingerprints as Francis Carol Terry, also known as Carol Terry. She had recently moved to the Las Vegas area in October 1980 from Loveland, Colorado.
Terry had been reported missing by her daughter after her monthly checks were returned. At the time of her death, she was wearing an orange sweater, blue jeans, and white canvas shoes. Her vehicle, a brown 1971 Ford LTD four-door, was recovered in April 1980.
READ: Las Vegas Sun Article November 4, 1980
READ: Las Vegas Review Journal, Las Vegas Sun, Valley Times Articles November 1-2, 1980
READ: Las Vegas Review Journal Article April 15, 1981
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com.
Case #: 80-77313
Victim: Calvin O. Mack, 23
Suspect: Unknown
Location: 1524 McGuire Drive, Las Vegas, NV
Date: September 29, 1980
Synopsis: On September 29, 1980, at approximately 12:20 p.m., LVMPD officers responded to the west side of the apartment complex located at 1524 McGuire Drive. Two men had been shot.
Calvin Mack was pronounced deceased at the scene from a single gunshot wound. Randolph Trent, who had also been shot, survived his injuries. According to Trent, both he and Mack were standing outside waiting for relatives and talking when an unknown male suspect rounded the corner and began shooting. Trent stated the suspect yelled, “This is what you get for shooting at my brothers.”
The suspect was described as a Black male, approximately 28 to 29 years old, 5’8” to 5’9” tall, weighing 160 to 170 pounds, and wearing dark pants or jeans.
READ: Las Vegas Review Journal and Las Vegas Sun Article September 30, 1980
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com.
Case #: 80-73054
Victim: Marjorie Louise Nicholas, 52
Suspect: Unknown
Location: Washington Avenue and E. Street, Las Vegas, NV
Date: September 10, 1980
On September 10, 1980, at approximately 4:24 a.m., LVMPD officers were dispatched to the area of E Street and Washington Avenue regarding a female lying near the gutter on the northeast corner.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a deceased White female adult wearing a sleeveless multicolored shirt and blue shorts, with no shoes. Her wrists had been bound.
An autopsy determined that Marjorie L. Nicholas had been beaten and strangled to death.
Through the investigation, detectives learned that Marjorie Nicholas was a transient who occasionally stayed at the Salvation Army. She had been released from jail at approximately 4:00 p.m. on September 9, 1980, and was last seen near the Bingo Club or Slots of Fun.
Detectives believe Marjorie Nicholas was murdered elsewhere, and her body was dumped near the intersection of E. Street and Washington Avenue.
READ: Las Vegas Review Journal and Las Vegas Sun Article September 11-12, 1980
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com.
Case #: 80-71091
Victim: Mary K. Trotter, 65
Suspect: Unknown
Location: 521 Maryland Parkway, #B20, Las Vegas, NV
Date: September 2, 1980
Synopsis: On September 2, 1980, between approximately 5:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., coworkers from the California Hotel and Casino found Mary Trotter deceased in her residence.
Witnesses reported that Mary was last seen on September 1, 1980, at approximately 4:00 p.m. when she left work to go home. When she failed to show up for her 7:30 a.m. shift on September 2, her coworkers became concerned and went to her residence. Mary was described as a reliable and punctual employee.
An autopsy determined that Mary Trotter had been strangled to death.
The investigation revealed that Mary had gone to the Sommerset Tavern on the evening of September 1, 1980. She was a regular patron, and according to the bartender, she left the bar at approximately 9:00 p.m. She later called the bartender around 9:30 p.m. to confirm she had arrived home safely, a routine she had followed for several years.
Mary’s apartment had been ransacked, suggesting she was the victim of a burglary or robbery; however, numerous valuable items remained inside. There were no signs of forced entry into the residence.
READ: Las Vegas Review Journal and Las Vegas Sun Articles, September 3, 1980
READ: Las Vegas Review Journal, Las Vegas Sun, NLV Valley Times November, 1980
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com.
Case #: 80-65931
Victim: Charles Alexander McCall, 55
Suspect: Unknown
Location: 1737 North H. Street, Las Vegas, NV
Date: August 9, 1980
Synopsis: On August 9, 1980, Charles McCall was at a friend's residence at 1737 North H Street with his brother. Three Black male adults approached the front door and called for Charles. Witnesses reported that Charles walked to the door, opened it, and was shot multiple times in the chest, resulting in his death at the scene.
Earlier that day, Charles was involved in a fight near Friendly Liquors, as described by several witnesses.
Suspect Descriptions:
- Black male, approximately 30 years old, about 6’0" tall, 150 pounds, wearing a black shirt and blue jeans.
- Black male, approximately 6’0" tall, 150 pounds, wearing a lighter-colored shirt with stripes and a jean cap.
- Black male, approximately 30 years old, heavier than the other two, wearing light blue jeans and a lighter pullover-style shirt.
READ: Las Vegas Review Journal and Las Vegas Sun Articles August 10, 1980
READ: Las Vegas Review Journal Article November 17, 1980
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com.
Case #: 80-64161
Victim: Peggy Sue (Tindell) Craven, 26
Suspect: Unknown
Location: 3120 Meade Ave. (Borlase Plumbing), Las Vegas, NV
Date: August 1, 1980
Synopsis: Peggy Sue Craven, a secretary for Borlase Plumbing Co., was found dead in one of the offices at the business. The initial investigation placed the time of the murder between 3:45 p.m. and 4:15 p.m. An autopsy determined that Peggy died as the result of strangulation and blunt force injury to the chest. There were indications that a sum of cash was missing from the business. Peggy was recently divorced and the mother of two young daughters at the time of the murder. Employees at adjoining businesses were interviewed but no one was able to provide any useful information. The person(s) responsible are still unknown.
Anyone with information is urged call the LVMPD Homicide Section at 702-828-3521.
READ: Las Vegas Review Journal August 2, 1980
READ: Las Vegas Review Journal August 11, 1980
READ: Letter from Readers (Eula Tindell)
READ: Las Vegas Review Journal Article
READ: Las Vegas Sun Letter from Readers May 21, 1983
READ: Las Vegas Review Journal Article
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com.
Case #: 80-61611
Victim: Joseph E. Scavone
Suspect: Two White males (unknown clothing description)
Location: 1055 E. Flamingo Rd. #112, Las Vegas, NV (Vegas Towers)
Synopsis: On July 22, 1980, at approximately 4:52 a.m., Joseph Scavone’s girlfriend returned to their apartment and found him deceased, lying in bed.
An autopsy determined that Joseph had been shot multiple times.
Joseph was a bartender who was training to become a casino dealer. Witnesses reported that there may have been a "contract" out on him due to a dispute involving a car. No signs of forced entry were found, leading detectives to believe that Joseph knew his killer(s) and voluntarily let them inside.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com.
Case #: 80-57835
Victim: Mack Irving Baker
Suspect: Unknown
Location: 1149 South Las Vegas Blvd – behind business
Date: July 4, 1980
An autopsy revealed Mack had been shot in the head multiple times.
Based on evidence at the scene, homicide detectives believe Mack was the victim of a robbery. The investigation revealed Mack was last seen on July 3, 1980, around 8:30 p.m. at Snick’s Bar, where he had one drink. He was seen leaving the bar and walking alone on Fourth Street. Another witness stated Mack was last seen at Desert Inn Liquors immediately prior to his death. He left on foot at approximately 12:00 a.m., walking toward Toot’s Bar in the 400 block of South Las Vegas Blvd.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com.
Case #: 80-54977
Victim: Calvin Smith Thomas, 23
Suspect: Unknown
Location: Brown Derby Club, 1308 North D Street, Las Vegas, NV
Date: June 22, 1980
Synopsis: On June 22, 1980, at approximately 1:50 p.m., Calvin Smith Thomas was transported by ambulance to Southern Nevada Memorial Hospital after suffering a gunshot wound.
Calvin succumbed to his injuries on June 23, 1980. An autopsy determined the cause of death was a gunshot wound, and the manner of death was ruled a homicide.
According to witnesses at the scene, Calvin had been involved in an argument with the suspect inside the Brown Derby Club prior to the shooting. The suspect was described as a Black male, approximately 30 years old, 6'2" tall, weighing around 200 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. At the time of the incident, the suspect was wearing tan pants and a yellow shirt. He was last seen driving a blue, two-tone small vehicle with California license plates.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com.
Case #: 80-54977
Victim: Sydney Keith Tarbett, 24
Suspect: Unknown
Location: 2112 Western Ave., Las Vegas, NV Troubadour Club
Date: June 21, 1980
Synopsis: On June 20, 1980, at approximately 11:53 p.m., the LVMPD Communications Center received a call from an unknown individual reporting a shooting in the parking lot of the Troubadour Club.
Responding officers arrived on the scene and located a male, later identified as Sydney Keith Tarbett, lying on the ground while bystanders attempted CPR. Tarbett was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. The Clark County Coroner’s Office determined his cause of death to be a single gunshot wound to the chest.
Witness statements indicate that two male suspects were in a primer gray or dirty-colored vehicle with a rear spoiler and oversized tires. The vehicle pulled up alongside Tarbett in the parking lot, and a brief argument occurred. As Tarbett approached the passenger side, the passenger fired one shot before the suspects fled the area at a high rate of speed.
The suspects are described as follows:
Driver: White male adult with longer hair, slightly curled.
Passenger (shooter): White male adult, approximately 25 years old, with long dark brown hair and a mustache extending below his lips.
READ: Las Vegas Review Journal and Las Vegas Sun Articles June 22, 1980
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com.
Case #: 80-53636
Victim: Francis A. Mezapelle, 56
Suspect: Unknown
Location: Desert area, approximately 6/10 of a mile from the 6400 block of North Jones Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV
Date: June 11-23, 1980
Synopsis: On June 23, 1980, at approximately 9:30 p.m., the remains of a male were discovered in a trash dumping area in the desert. The victim was later identified as Francis A. Mezapelle, who had been shot in the chest.
The investigation revealed that Francis, also known as Frank, traveled with his son to Las Vegas from Sterling Heights, Michigan, to celebrate his son’s 21st birthday on June 9, 1980. The pair had reservations at the Circus Circus Hotel and Casino.
On June 11, 1980, at approximately 1:00–1:30 p.m., Frank accidentally locked his keys in his rental car. A rental car company employee arrived to assist him, after which Frank was seen walking away from the vehicle in the parking lot, carrying a small brown bag. This was the last time Frank was seen alive by friends or family.
Later that evening, at approximately 8:00 p.m., an LVMPD patrol officer received a call from an officer in Michigan. The caller expressed concern about his father-in-law, Frank, who had not been seen or heard from, which was unusual behavior. Investigators learned that Frank had left the hotel to buy orange juice for his ill son, who was resting in their hotel room, but Frank never returned.
Officers located the rental car in the Circus Circus parking lot. The keys had been placed back in the ignition, and a light layer of dust covered the vehicle. A missing person report was filed at that time.
READ: Review Journal Article June 26, 1980
READ: Las Vegas Sun June 25 and July 11, 1980
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com.
Case #: 80-54199
Victim: Shauna Lee Urbain, 17
Suspect: Unknown
Location: Desert area west of Sahara Ave. and Tenaya Way, Las Vegas, NV
Date: June 17, 1980
Synopsis: On June 17, 1980, at approximately 7:25 am, a Clark County Engineer was working on an encroachment in the area of West Sahara Avenue and Tenaya Way when he noticed what he initially thought was a mannequin in the desert area where a large amount of trash had been dumped.
Upon closer inspection, the witness stated he realized the mannequin was a body and immediately left the area to go to a 7-11 and call police.
LVMPD Homicide Detectives were requested to the scene once it was determined the female was deceased, as well as the Clark County Coroner.
An autopsy conducted the following day by the Clark County Coroner revealed the female had been stabbed multiple times and was identified as 16 year old Shauna Lee Urbain, who had been a walk away from Child Haven approximately one year prior.
It was determined from the investigation Shauna had been murdered at an unknown location and dumped in the desert area.
READ: Review Journal and Las Vegas Sun Articles June 18-21, 1980
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com.
Case #: 80-41926
Victim: Philip Michael Favata
Suspect: Unknown
Location: Across the street from the Detour Inn, near Harrison Drive and Tropicana Avenue, Las Vegas, NV
Date: April 21, 1980
Synopsis: On April 21, 1980, at approximately 12:20 a.m., detectives responded to the area of Harrison Drive and Tropicana Avenue, where they discovered the body of a White male adult lying on the ground. The victim appeared to have been shot.
A witness reported hearing an argument between two males shortly before a gunshot. The dispute was said to be over a parking space. The victim was reportedly driving a gold Cadillac, while the suspect was believed to be driving a dark-colored Datsun 280Z with a louvered rear window.
Several patrons at the nearby Detour Inn heard the gunshots and looked outside, observing the victim lying on the ground. When detectives arrived, they noted that the victim was still holding his car keys.
An autopsy positively identified the victim as Philip Michael Favata. The Clark County Coroner determined that Philip died from a gunshot wound to the chest.
READ: Review Journal, Las Vegas Sun Articles April 5-6, 1980
READ: Las Vegas Sun and Review Journal Articles April 22, 1980
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com.
Case #: 80-39384
Victim: Frank R. Carlson, 66
Suspect: Unknown
Location: Calville Bay Motor Home Park
Date: April 7-9, 1980
Synopsis: Between April 7, 1980, at approximately 5:30 p.m., and April 9, 1980, at approximately 7:00 p.m., Frank R. Carlson was murdered in his residence at Calville Bay RV Park, site #71.
A neighbor and close friend last saw Frank at the marina office around 3:30 p.m. on April 7. She recalled that Frank was asking if she knew anyone who could take his nephew and his friend into the Las Vegas area.
On the evening of April 8, around 8:30 p.m., the same neighbor saw Frank’s dog running loose in the park. Concerned, she retrieved the dog and used a key Frank had given her to enter his locked residence. She noticed a foul odor but did not see anything unusual. She noted the bathroom light was on, and the bedroom door was closed.
On April 9, around 7:00 p.m., the neighbor returned from Las Vegas and again checked on Frank after hearing from another neighbor that he had not been seen all day. Upon entering the residence, she turned on the lights and called out for Frank. While moving through the home, she noticed what appeared to be blood on a sock. When she opened the bedroom door, she found the room ransacked and Frank's body lying on the bed. The neighbor immediately exited the residence and called for help.
Witnesses within the RV park reported seeing Frank with two younger males during the time frame in question. Frank identified them as his nephews from the Los Angeles, California area. It was well-known within the park that Frank was a friendly individual who made friends easily and was known to openly discuss his financial situation. He had recently mentioned having approximately $4,000 in cash in his residence, which was later found to be missing.
The two males seen with Frank were described as follows:
Male 1: White male, 24–25 years old, with dark wavy hair, dark eyes, possibly Hispanic or Puerto Rican. Approximately 5'6"–5'7" tall, with broad shoulders, clean-shaven, wearing dark slacks and a blue windbreaker.
Male 2: White male, 24–25 years old, with light dirty blonde wavy hair. Approximately 5'9"–5'11" tall, with a slender build, wearing light slacks and a beige windbreaker.
A composite sketch of the suspects was completed. See the sketch below.
An autopsy revealed Frank had been stabbed multiple times and succumbed to his injuries.
READ: Las Vegas Sun and Review Journal articles April 10, 1980
READ: Las Vegas Sun article April 11, 1980
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com.
Case #: 80-38240
Victim: Nicholas "Nicky" Costanza, 27
Suspect: Unknown
Location: Lake Mead Recreation Area- North Shore Road
Date: April 4, 1980
Synopsis: On April 4, 1980, at approximately 3:45 p.m., a witness, a Nellis Air Force Base military member, was in the area of Lake Mead Drive and North Shore Road. The witness had been to the same location on April 2, 1980, where they observed a 1978 Oldsmobile approximately 300 feet off North Shore Road, stuck in a 25-foot ravine.
On April 2, the witness searched the vehicle to check if anyone was injured inside. After locating the registration, they identified the vehicle’s owner as Nicholas Costanza. The witness attempted to contact Nicholas by phone to inform him of the vehicle's location but was unable to reach him. Instead, they spoke with a man who identified himself as Nicholas’ father. Nicholas’ father stated he did not know where Nicholas was or why the vehicle was in a ravine.
When the witness returned to the scene on April 4 with a friend, they found the car still in the ravine, but it had been ransacked. While going through the vehicle’s contents, they discovered the body of a White male in the trunk. The victim was later positively identified as Nicholas “Nicky” Costanza. An autopsy completed by the Clark County Coroner's Office revealed Nicholas had been shot.
READ: Review Journal, Las Vegas Sun Articles April 5-6, 1980
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com.
Case #: 80-36555
Victim: Mohand Saddek Behloul, 29
Suspect: Unknown
Location:1973 Gerlach Drive, Unit #284, Las Vegas, NV
Date: March 27, 1980
Synopsis: On March 27, 1980, at approximately 8:40 p.m., Mohand Saddek Behloul returned to his residence after attending classes at Clark County Community College. While standing in front of his apartment door, he was shot once. Witnesses reported that the shot appeared to come from the direction of the parking lot.
Behloul’s wife, who was inside the apartment at the time, told police she heard a gunshot followed by a scream. When she opened the door, she found her husband bleeding. The Behloul family, originally from Algeria, had been living in the United States for approximately 18 months.
During the investigation, Behloul’s wife stated that he had no known enemies and was not involved in politics.
Further inquiry revealed the possibility of a prior altercation during a traffic incident. Investigators discovered damage to the rear door of Behloul’s vehicle, which his wife had not previously noticed. On his way home from school, Behloul had stopped at an unidentified grocery store and was carrying \bread, cheese, and other items.
READ: Las Vegas Sun and Review Journal articles March 29, 1980
READ: Review Journal article March 28, 1980
READ: Las Vegas Sun article April 2, 1980
READ: Review Journal article April 13, 1980
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com.
Case #: 80-32681
Victim: Mari Beth DeVitte, 21
Suspect: Unknown
Location: Blue Diamon Road (SR 160) L-Bar-M Road 5 miles west
Date: March 23, 1980
Synopsis: On March 8, 1980, Mari Beth DeVitte was reported missing by her roommate after 2she failed to return home. According to her roommate, Mari Beth had left the Troubadour nightclub at Caesars Palace Hotel & Casino with an unknown male. A composite sketch of the suspect was created, shown below.
On March 23, 1980, at approximately 1:30 p.m., Mari Beth’s body was discovered in a desert area near Blue Diamond Road, about five miles west of L-Bar-M Road. A local rancher’s dog had returned home carrying personal items belonging to a female, prompting the rancher to contact LVMPD. Shortly afterward, an aerial search led to the discovery of Mari Beth’s remains.
READ: Valley Times, Las Vegas Sun, Review Journal articles May 8-12, 1980
READ: Las Vegas Sun article March 29, 1980
READ: Las Vegas Sun article March 27, 1980
READ: Las Vegas Sun article undated
READ: Las Vegas Sun article March 26, 1980
READ: Las Vegas Sun and Review Journal article March 24, 1980
READ: Las Vegas Sun undated article
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com.
Case #: 80-32658
Victim: George Edward Ballan
Suspect: Unknown
Location: Blue Diamon Road (SR 160), Mile Marker 6
Date: March 11, 1980
Synopsis: On March 11, 1980, at approximately 3:00 a.m., the body of George Edward Ballan was discovered inside his 1978 beige and brown Cadillac. The vehicle was parked approximately 41 feet off the north side of Blue Diamond Road at mile marker 6. A passerby noticed the car and contacted police.
George Ballan, a 55-year-old Las Vegas businessman, owned and operated Ballan’s Custom Tailor Shop at the time of his death.
When the vehicle was located, its engine was still running, and the windshield wipers were operating. An autopsy later determined that George Ballan died from blunt force trauma and strangulation.
READ: Las Vegas Sun and Review Journal article April 3, 1980
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com.
Case #: 80-28149
Victim: Lloyd and Gladys Gannon
Suspect: Unknown
Location: Plaza Hotel RV area
Date: February 1-19, 1980
Synopsis: On January 28, 1980, Lloyd and Gladys Gannon arrived in Las Vegas from Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, and parked their motorhome in the Union Plaza Hotel RV area. The Gannons were frequent visitors to Las Vegas.
On February 19, 1980, Union Plaza Security personnel discovered the bodies of Lloyd and Gladys Gannon inside their motorhome. The RV appeared to be under maintenance, as the hood was open and hoses were missing from the engine.
Inside the motorhome, which had been ransacked, evidence suggested a struggle had taken place. Investigators determined that the Gannons had been victims of a robbery and were subsequently murdered.
An autopsy revealed that both Lloyd and Gladys Gannon died from strangulation and blunt force trauma.
READ: Las Vegas Sun article March 30, 1980
READ: Review Journal article February 20, 1980
READ: Las Vegas Sun article February 20, 1980
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com.
Case #: 80-27868
Victim: David Holder
Suspect: Unknown
Location: Casino Center Off Ramp and US 95 - Las Vegas, NV
Date: February 17, 1980
Synopsis: On February 18, 1980, at approximately 3:40 p.m., the body of David Elton Holder was discovered near the US 95 Casino Center off-ramp. A passerby walking in the area found the body in the brush off the roadway and contacted police.
The investigation determined that David was likely living in the area and sleeping in a cardboard box at the time of the attack. Records indicated that David was in poor health, having been released from Southern Nevada Memorial Hospital on February 14, 1980, after suffering a heart attack.
An autopsy revealed that David had been stabbed multiple times and died as a result of his injuries.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com.
Case #: 80-23667
Victim: Conway "Sonny" Day
Suspect: Unknown
Location: 3350 Daisey Apartment #18, Las Vegas, NV
Date: January 29-30, 1980
Synopsis: On January 30, 1980, at approximately 11:50 a.m., Conway E. Day was discovered deceased in his residence by his ex-wife. She had attempted to contact him multiple times by phone without success.
Upon arriving at Conway’s apartment, she observed his red and white Cadillac parked in its designated spot. After knocking on the door several times and receiving no response, she tried the door handle and found it unlocked. Upon entering the apartment, she found Conway lying on the living room floor, deceased. She immediately called 911 to report the incident.
Detectives found no signs of forced entry into the residence.
Witnesses described Conway as a gambler who was known to make cash loans to various individuals.
An autopsy revealed that Conway died from blunt force trauma to the head.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com.
Case #: 80-23436
Victim: Archie Kay
Suspect: Unknown
Location: Moapa Indian Reservation- Residence
Date: January 29-30, 1980
Synopsis: On January 29, 1980, at approximately 12:40 PM, a welfare check was conducted at the residence of 88-year-old Archie Kay by his son and LVMPD patrol officers. Archie was found deceased on the floor of his home with injuries to his head and chest.
Archie’s son had visited the residence the previous day and found the house secure but noticed his father’s vehicle was missing. Believing his father might have gone elsewhere, he left. Concerned after another day passed, he returned on January 29 and requested LVMPD officers to assist in gaining entry. Forced entry was made, and Archie’s body was discovered.
Archie’s vehicle was later recovered near 1st Street and Stewart Avenue in Las Vegas, NV.
During the investigation, several people were interviewed about a White male adult and a White female adult hitchhiking in the area and spending time with Archie in the days leading up to his death.
The female was described as 20–25 years old, tall with long dirty brown hair, a heavy build, and wearing round glasses. A composite sketch of the female was generated, shown below.
The male was described as 25–40 years old, tall and thin, with medium blonde hair, wearing a brown hat, Levi jeans, and a Levi jacket.
READ: Review Journal article January 30, 1980
READ: Las Vegas Sun and Review Journal articles January 30-31, 1980 and February 1, 1980
READ: Review Journal article January 31, 1980
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit crimestoppersofnv.com.