Las Vegas, Nevada — A night that was supposed to be casual and routine took a deadly turn in Las Vegas when a 19-year-old man told police he believed he was meeting friends to play video games — but instead became involved in a fatal shooting that left one man dead.
According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, the incident traces back to April 10, when officers responded to reports of gunfire around 6:29 p.m. in a residential neighborhood. When they arrived, they found 59-year-old Victor Powe inside his vehicle with multiple gunshot wounds. His car had crashed into a nearby building. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
What Happened That Night
Investigators say surveillance footage captured the moments leading up to the shooting. Powe was sitting in his parked car when three men approached. One appeared to act as a lookout while the other two moved closer.
Authorities say one suspect approached the driver’s side and demanded that Powe get out of the vehicle, while another stood on the passenger side holding a rifle. Moments later, shots were fired. Powe attempted to drive away but was critically wounded and lost control of the car.
Suspect’s Account to Police
The case took a turn on April 16 when 19-year-old Elijah Harris contacted police. According to the criminal complaint, Harris initially expressed fear about speaking but later shared his version of events.
Harris told investigators that earlier that day, he had met with two friends at his apartment to “hang out, smoke, and play video games.” He claimed he was surprised when one of them arrived carrying a rifle and said he had advised against bringing it.
As the evening progressed, the group allegedly decided to leave the apartment after running out of marijuana. Harris told police that one of the others arranged to meet a supplier’s associate — later identified as Powe — to obtain more.
Before leaving, Harris said the others asked him if he was sure he wanted to come along. He agreed. He claimed that during the encounter with Powe, one of the men suddenly began shooting.
Aftermath and Arrest
Harris told police he ran back to the apartment first. When the other two men returned, he said they changed clothes and admitted that things had gone wrong, stating the situation “wasn’t supposed to go like that.”
While Harris denied knowing about any plan to rob or kill Powe, he reportedly acknowledged to investigators that “he should have known something was up.”
Following the investigation, Harris was arrested on April 16. He now faces multiple charges, including open murder, attempted robbery, and conspiracy to commit robbery.
He is currently being held without bail at the Clark County Detention Center. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 20.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have not publicly identified the other two individuals believed to be involved. The investigation remains active as detectives continue working to determine each suspect’s role and whether additional arrests will be made.
The case highlights how quickly situations can escalate when weapons and criminal intent enter the picture — turning what appeared to be an ordinary evening into a deadly incident with lasting consequences.
