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The Metropolitan Police Department was called out to a business across the way from Huntridge Theater after reports of a shooting on Friday, May 23rd. Just before 5 P.M., officers arrived at the location and discovered a chaotic scene where one man had been fatally shot. Tragically, the victim was declared deceased at the scene.
According to official reports, the victim had been standing in line ready to pay for his items when the incident went down. The suspect, identified as 36-year-old Kyle Robert Capucci, reportedly entered the business and immediately began acting erratic. He was disturbing all the customers in the store when he suddenly spotted the victim. The victim was openly carrying a firearm in compliance with Nevada law.
Capucci allegedly approached an employee and had a brief interaction with them before suddenly lunging for the victim’s gun. The gun was holstered to the victim’s waist. A struggle ensued, and Capucci was able to wrestle the gun away from the victim. Capucci opened fire on the victim, who was fatally wounded.
Once police arrived, the suspect was taken into custody without incident, but he was not interviewed because he was either “in discipline or uncooperative.”
Upon investigating what happened and why, detectives learned that Capucci was scheduled to go before Las Vegas Justice Court judge Daniel Westmeyer earlier on the same day of the incident. He reportedly did not appear. Capucci has also pleaded guilty to two criminal charges in the past. He was convicted of attempted robbery from an incident in 2022 and served time in prison. He was also convicted of a drug trafficking charge in 2014.
Now, he’s being charged with open murder.
One thing you may not know about Nevada is that it is a death penalty state. That said, a murder conviction could potentially result in capital punishment depending on the circumstances of the crime.
An open murder charge could be levied as a variety of charges. The most serious is first-degree murder and the least severe is involuntary manslaughter. A first-degree murder conviction can result in the death penalty or a lifetime prison sentence. Second-degree murder is punishable by 25 years to life in prison.
Voluntary manslaughter is a bit less severe. This type of charge is appropriate when the fatality involves killing with malice but without premeditation. Involuntary manslaughter is a killing that occurs during the commission of a lawful act in a reckless manner or during an unlawful act. Both of these crimes are still considered serious felonies.
A felony conviction will result in lifelong consequences including a loss of your right to vote or possess firearms.
If you’re potentially facing such serious criminal charges in Las Vegas, then it makes the most sense to consult with an attorney as soon as possible. The right lawyer can help you protect your rights and identify your best legal strategy.
Schedule a free case review with our Las Vegas criminal defense attorneys now to discuss your legal situation in more detail with our team.
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