Current:Home > Markets15-year-old North Dakota runaway shot, killed in Las Vegas while suspect FaceTimed girl -AssetLink
15-year-old North Dakota runaway shot, killed in Las Vegas while suspect FaceTimed girl
View
Date:2025-04-14 23:31:17
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! (5292)
Related
- Carolinas bracing for second landfall from Tropical Storm Debby: Live updates
- 2024 Olympics: Simone Biles Fights Through Calf Pain During Gymnastics Qualifiers
- Team USA cyclist Chloe Dygert wins bronze medal in individual time trial
- Celine Dion saves a wet 'n wild Paris Olympics opening ceremony: Review
- PHOTO COLLECTION: AP Top Photos of the Day Wednesday August 7, 2024
- Senate candidate Bernie Moreno campaigns as an outsider. His wealthy family is politically connected
- Paris Olympics: Why Fries and Avocados Are Banned in the Olympic Village
- Secrets About the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Straight From the Squad
- Federal appeals court upholds $14.25 million fine against Exxon for pollution in Texas
- Top Shoe Deals from Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2024: Up to 50% Off OluKai, Paige, Stuart Weitzman & More
Ranking
- Chuck Scarborough signs off: Hoda Kotb, Al Roker tribute legendary New York anchor
- Fires in the West are becoming ever bigger, consuming. Why and what can be done?
- Fostering a kitten? A Californian university wants to hear from you
- US women's 4x100 free relay wins silver at Paris Olympics
- 3 years after the NFL added a 17th game, the push for an 18th gets stronger
- Judge denies bid to move trial of ex-officer out of Philadelphia due to coverage, protests
- Drag queens shine at Olympics opening, but ‘Last Supper’ tableau draws criticism
- Bette Midler talks 'Mamma Mia!' moment in new movie: 'What have we done?'
Recommendation
Krispy Kreme offers a free dozen Grinch green doughnuts: When to get the deal
2024 Olympian Sha'Carri Richardson’s Nails Deserve Their Own Gold Medal
Why are more adults not having children? New study may have an explanation.
A strike from Lebanon killed 12 youths. Could that spark war between Israel and Hezbollah?
John Galliano out at Maison Margiela, capping year of fashion designer musical chairs
Boar's Head issues recall for more than 200,000 pounds of liverwurst, other sliced meats
How many gold medals does Simone Biles have? What to know about her records, wins, more
Vigils planned across the nation for Sonya Massey, Black woman shot in face by police