Current:Home > Finance15-year-old North Dakota runaway shot, killed in Las Vegas while suspect FaceTimed girl -MarketPoint
15-year-old North Dakota runaway shot, killed in Las Vegas while suspect FaceTimed girl
View
Date:2025-04-13 05:49:39
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! (2)
Related
- Whoopi Goldberg is delightfully vile as Miss Hannigan in ‘Annie’ stage return
- Spring Ahead with Kate Spade Outlet’s Weekend Deals – $59 Crossbodies, $29 Wristlets & More
- Books on Main feels like you're reading inside a tree house in Wisconsin: See inside
- The US is springing forward to daylight saving. For Navajo and Hopi tribes, it’s a time of confusion
- San Francisco names street for Associated Press photographer who captured the iconic Iwo Jima photo
- Lead-tainted cinnamon has been recalled. Here’s what you should know
- Pierce Brosnan says 'Oppenheimer' star Cillian Murphy would be 'magnificent' James Bond
- Which movie should win the best picture Oscar? Our movie experts battle it out
- Taylor Swift Eras Archive site launches on singer's 35th birthday. What is it?
- 'God help her': Dramatic video shows zookeepers escape silverback gorilla in Fort Worth
Ranking
- Kylie Jenner Shows Off Sweet Notes From Nieces Dream Kardashian & Chicago West
- Is TikTok getting shut down? Congress flooded with angry calls over possible US ban
- NHL trade grades: Champion Golden Knights ace deadline. Who else impressed? Who didn't?
- How Barry Keoghan Paid Tribute to Sabrina Carpenter at Pre-Oscars 2024 Parties
- Trump issues order to ban transgender troops from serving openly in the military
- Zendaya's Bold Fashion Moment Almost Distracted Us From Her New Bob Haircut
- Indiana lawmakers pass bill defining antisemitism, with compromises
- Fans, social media pay tribute to 'Dragon Ball' creator Akira Toriyama following death
Recommendation
Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
Hissing alligator that charged Georgia deputy spotted on drone video
US officials investigating a 'large balloon' discovered in Alaska won't call it a 'spy balloon'
'God help her': Dramatic video shows zookeepers escape silverback gorilla in Fort Worth
Questlove charts 50 years of SNL musical hits (and misses)
Fulton County prosecutor Fani Willis and judge in Trump 2020 election case draw primary challengers
Angela Bassett Shares Her Supreme Disappointment Over Oscars Loss One Year Later
Why The Traitors’ CT Tamburello and Trishelle Cannatella Aren't Apologizing For That Finale Moment