Current:Home > Markets15-year-old North Dakota runaway shot, killed in Las Vegas while suspect FaceTimed girl -WealthSphere Pro
15-year-old North Dakota runaway shot, killed in Las Vegas while suspect FaceTimed girl
View
Date:2025-04-17 23:23:57
A 15-year-old runaway from North Dakota was killed in a Las Vegas apartment while his suspected shooter was showing off his gun to a girl on FaceTime, police said.
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police charged Browdy Lee Shaffer, 18, with James Lobue's murder on Sept. 4. The boy was a runaway from Bismarck, North Dakota, according to a police arrest report obtained by USA TODAY.
Officers found James on Sept. 2 lying inside the apartment from a gunshot wound to the torso, the report says. He was then taken to a hospital for emergency surgery, but despite the efforts of medical personnel, he succumbed to his injuries, the document continued.
Two adults and three juveniles were in the residence when police responded, while body-worn camera video caught "a multitude of juveniles fleeing the apartment upon officer's arrival," according to the report.
It is unclear if Shaffer has a defense attorney.
Browdy Lee Shaffer came to apartment with semiautomatic pistol
A female juvenile in the apartment told police that James and another boy slept in the living room of the apartment the night before the shooting, the report says. Upset that the boys were in the living room, the girl's stepfather poured water on them and woke the pair up, prompting them to leave, the document continued.
The boys would ultimately come back and spend the night in the apartment. Shaffer, who had a semiautomatic pistol with him, came by the apartment the next day to confront the girl's stepfather about him pouring water on his brother, according to the report.
While at the apartment, Shaffer began "play-fighting" with his brother and James in a bedroom, the report says. He then made a FaceTime call to an unknown female and began showing her his gun by "illuminating the flashlight and laser," the document continued.
Loud 'pop' heard, everyone ran out of the apartment
At some point, Shaffer was standing next to James with the gun in his hand when a loud "pop" was heard, according to the report. Everyone then ran out of the room, including James, who collapsed at the front door of the apartment, police said in the report.
While everyone fled from the apartment, Shaffer attempted to help the dying teenager, the report says. Before the police arrived, he went back to the bedroom for an unknown reason and then fled the apartment, according to the document.
Police learned that Shaffer came over to the apartment to fight the girl's stepfather "in the street," the report says. Instead of fighting the stepfather, James died from gunshot wounds to his torso and arm, according to the report, citing the Clark County Coroner.
Shaffer was arrested on Sept. 4 and booked at the Clark County Detention Center.
veryGood! (57123)
Related
- Arkansas State Police probe death of woman found after officer
- 2 killed, 4 hurt in shooting at Philadelphia home where illegal speakeasy was operating, police say
- Ukraine says it shot down 2 Russian command and control aircraft in a significant blow to Moscow
- Biden administration warns it will take action if Texas does not stop blocking federal agents from U.S. border area
- NFL Week 15 picks straight up and against spread: Bills, Lions put No. 1 seed hopes on line
- UK government say the lslamist group Hizb ut-Tahrir is antisemitic and moves to ban it
- Former chairman of state-owned bank China Everbright Group arrested over suspected corruption
- `The Honeymooners’ actress Joyce Randolph has died at 99; played Ed Norton’s wife, Trixie
- Biden administration makes final diplomatic push for stability across a turbulent Mideast
- Father of fallen NYPD officer who advocated for 9/11 compensation fund struck and killed by SUV
Ranking
- Alex Murdaugh’s murder appeal cites biased clerk and prejudicial evidence
- These 15 Products Will Help You Get the Best Sleep of Your Life
- Ruth Ashton Taylor, trailblazing journalist who had 50-year career in radio and TV, dies at age 101
- NFL schedule today: Everything to know about playoff games on Jan. 15
- Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
- Conflict, climate change and AI get top billing as leaders converge for elite meeting in Davos
- China calls Taiwan's 2024 election a choice between peace and war. Here's what to know.
- Look Back at Chicago West's Cutest Pics
Recommendation
'Most Whopper
District attorney defends the qualifications of a prosecutor hired in Trump’s Georgia election case
Lindsay Lohan Disappointed By Joke Seemingly Aimed at Her in New Mean Girls Movie
Taylor Swift and Brittany Mahomes Are Twinning & Winning in New Photos From Kansas City Chiefs Game
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
Record high tide destroys more than 100-year-old fishing shacks in Maine: 'History disappearing before your eyes'
UK government say the lslamist group Hizb ut-Tahrir is antisemitic and moves to ban it
Dolphins vs. Chiefs NFL playoff game was 'most-streamed live event' ever, NBC says