Cristobal Perez and Kylee Au Yong: Las Vegas police arrest duo for opening fire on homeless encampment leaving 2 dead and 3 injured
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA: A Las Vegas couple was arrested more than a month after allegedly opening fire on a homeless encampment and killing two people, while injuring three others.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department arrested 31-year-old Cristobal Omar Perez and his girlfriend, 21-year-old Kylee Au Yong on Thursday, January 4.
Couple charged with murder
Both suspects, according to the Yahoo News, have been charged with murder and battery with a deadly weapon. Police are also looking to identify a third suspect.
Police said the incident took place at about 5.30 pm on December 1, 2023, when a gunman was dropped off by a black SUV near a highway overpass in the northeastern portion of the city.
According to reports, the gunman entered a homeless camp and started shooting before escaping in a getaway vehicle. According to Homicide Lt. Jason Johansson, there is a good chance that the shooting was prearranged.
Investigators stated that although it seemed to be targeted, a motive is still unknown.
Au Young made an early Friday morning, January 5, court appearance, according to FOX 5 in Las Vegas. In the brief hearing, the court ruled that Au Young would remain in detention without bond. Perez also had a hearing, but for reasons that are unclear, he did not show up. Perez was ordered to be held without bond, just like Au Yong.
What charges do accused face?
According to court documents, Omar Perez is charged with two charges of murder, three counts of attempted murder, three counts of assault, conspiracy to commit murder, and one crime of possessing weapons. Au Young is accused of two counts of murder as well as conspiracy to commit murder.
Earlier CNN reported, that the LAPD issued a safety bulletin encouraging unhoused people to sleep in shelters rather than on the streets.
Police said, “From my understanding, all of their victims (in Los Angeles) were sleeping alone and targeted at night, adding, “This is quite a bit different than that scenario.”
