Deadly Shooting at Las Vegas Law Firm Linked to Bitter Custody Battle

A shooting at a law firm near the Red Rock Casino Resort in Las Vegas on April 8, 2024, left three people dead in what authorities say was a double murder, suicide stemming from a contentious custody dispute.

The incident occurred at the Prince Law Group office on the 1700 block of West Charleston Boulevard, where a deposition was taking place.

According to attorney Lisa Rasmussen, who witnessed the shooting, 77-year-old Joseph Houston II opened fire on his former daughter-in-law Ashley Prince, 30, and her new husband Dennis Prince, 57, who was also her lawyer. Houston then turned the gun on himself. All three were pronounced dead at the scene.

Rasmussen, who was representing Houston's wife Katherine in the deposition, described the atmosphere before gunshots erupted. "About five minutes into the deposition, Joe just stood up and had this glazed, rattled look," she recounted. "He pulled out a semi-automatic handgun and just started shooting across the table." Rasmussen and Katherine Houston managed to flee to safety.

The shooting was the culmination of a bitter custody battle between the Princes and Houston's son Dylan over the couple's children. Court records unsealed after the incident revealed a history of substance abuse allegations, behavioral issues, and disputes over custody and child exchanges. Dylan Houston, who was not present at the deposition, had been ordered to turn over his guns to police prior to the killings.

Why this matters: The tragic incident highlights the potential for violence in emotionally charged legal proceedings, particularly those involving child custody. It underscores the need for increased security measures and de-escalation strategies in such high-conflict situations.

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department homicide lieutenant Jason Johansson called the shooting a "devastating day for the Houston and Prince families." Rasmussen, who is undergoing therapy to cope with the trauma, hopes that the families can heal and work together for the sake of the children. She also expressed a desire for more civility and respect in the legal profession when handling such emotionally fraught cases.

Key Takeaways

• Shooting at Las Vegas law firm leaves 3 dead in murder-suicide over custody dispute
• Gunman Joseph Houston, 77, opened fire on ex-daughter-in-law Ashley Prince, 30, and her lawyer husband
• Shooting occurred during a deposition, witnessed by attorney Lisa Rasmussen who fled to safety
• Custody battle between Houstons and Princes involved substance abuse, behavioral issues, and gun seizure
• Incident highlights need for increased security, de-escalation in high-conflict legal proceedings