Las Vegas, Nevada – A tragic incident unfolded at the Venicia Apartments in southwest Las Vegas on Tuesday, resulting in the senseless shooting and death of a man identified as Raul Cardoza. The victim, a 41-year-old Las Vegas resident, was working with his brother from a cleaning business when the fatal attack occurred.
According to the Metropolitan Police Department Lt. Jason Johansson, the victim was found next to a white van at the entrance of the apartment complex. Despite efforts by the police to save him, Cardoza succumbed to his injuries at University Medical Center.
Eyewitnesses reported that the assailant, described as a person with facial tattoos and carrying multiple bags, fled the scene but was eventually apprehended by patrol officers in a nearby neighborhood. The suspect, identified as 27-year-old Kayla Alery, was found to have been trespassing inside the complex and checking car doors, possibly with intentions to commit theft.
The tragic incident unfolded as the victim and his brother were diligently working inside their carpet cleaning company van, Immaculate Restoration and Carpet Care. Without warning or provocation, the suspect swiftly approached the van, produced a handgun, and fatally shot the victim while he was seated inside.
Authorities indicated that the shooting appeared to be entirely random, with no prior interaction between the victim and the suspect. Alery now faces various charges related to the incident, including open murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
The heartbreaking news has left the victim’s family shattered, as one of his brothers expressed profound grief over the loss and the difficult task of breaking the news to their mother, who resides in El Salvador. The community mourns the loss of an innocent, hardworking individual who fell victim to a senseless act of violence while simply carrying out his job.
As investigations continue into the motive behind the shooting and the events leading up to the tragic incident, the community seeks justice for Raul Cardoza and his family in the wake of this devastating loss.