Current:Home > News15-year-old North Dakota runaway shot, killed in Las Vegas while suspect FaceTimed girl -RiskRadar
15-year-old North Dakota runaway shot, killed in Las Vegas while suspect FaceTimed girl
View
Date:2025-04-19 05:46:48
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! (73484)
Related
- 'Kraven the Hunter' spoilers! Let's dig into that twisty ending, supervillain reveal
- Why Blake Shelton Is Comparing Gwen Stefani Relationship to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's Romance
- California governor signs package of bills giving state more power to enforce housing laws
- Takeaways from AP’s report on churches starting schools in voucher states
- 'Kraven the Hunter' spoilers! Let's dig into that twisty ending, supervillain reveal
- Body language experts assess Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul face-off, cite signs of intimidation
- Jets' Aaron Rodgers, Robert Saleh explain awkward interaction after TD vs. Patriots
- A Glacier National Park trail in Montana is closed after bear attacks hiker
- Sam Taylor
- Body language experts assess Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul face-off, cite signs of intimidation
Ranking
- FACT FOCUS: Inspector general’s Jan. 6 report misrepresented as proof of FBI setup
- Wheel of Fortune Contestants' Bad Luck Curse Shocked Even Ryan Seacrest
- When do new 'Love is Blind' episodes come out? Season 7 premiere date, cast, schedule
- Postal Service chief frustrated at criticism, but promises ‘heroic’ effort to deliver mail ballots
- South Korea's acting president moves to reassure allies, calm markets after Yoon impeachment
- Watch these puppies enjoy and end-of-summer pool party
- Takeaways from AP report on risks of rising heat for high school football players
- Porn-making former University of Wisconsin campus leader argues for keeping his teaching job
Recommendation
Charges tied to China weigh on GM in Q4, but profit and revenue top expectations
Kyle Okposo announces retirement after winning Stanley Cup with Florida Panthers
First rioters to breach a police perimeter during Capitol siege are sentenced to prison terms
Titan submersible testimony to enter fourth day after panel hears of malfunction and discord
Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
Colin Farrell is a terrifying Batman villain in 'The Penguin': Review
Kentucky judge shot at courthouse, governor says
Youth activists plan protests to demand action on climate as big events open in NYC