Las Vegas, Nevada — In a tragic incident that has shocked the community, the mother of a 3-year-old boy reported to 911 that the child’s father attempted to kill her and shot at her friend’s vehicle prior to a standoff with police that left both the father and son dead. The grim details unfolded in audio recordings released by the Metropolitan Police Department, depicting the frantic moments leading up to the police response on February 3.
According to police, Quinton Baker, 28, allegedly shot his son Kentre Baker in the head as officers intervened. In the 911 calls, the boy’s mother, Raneka Pate, detailed the violence she endured, stating, “He literally beat me and threw me downstairs… He’s gonna hurt my baby.” This harrowing situation escalated shortly after she reported the confrontation to dispatchers.
The Clark County coroner’s office later confirmed that both Quinton and Kentre Baker died from multiple gunshot wounds. During a press briefing, Assistant Sheriff Bryan Peterson revealed that Kentre Baker had sustained three bullets, two of which were fired at close range. The circumstances surrounding the third wound are still under investigation.
Pate, who has since retained legal counsel, publicly challenged the police’s narrative, asserting that Quinton Baker was unarmed during his encounter with law enforcement. “I watched their last moments. And my whole family was taken from me in an instant,” she lamented.
In footage shared by Metro, Quinton Baker is seen carrying his son while allegedly wielding a firearm directed at the child’s chest before the officers opened fire. Peterson explained that officers faced an urgent choice to act in an effort to save the boy’s life, saying, “Officers have milliseconds to make a decision.” He further emphasized the suspect’s intention was clear, adding, “He was going to kill that child and then kill himself.”
Pate made her initial 911 call around 1:18 a.m., urgently reporting that Baker was attacking her friend and attempting to leave with their son. She described Baker’s unstable state of mind, indicating he was not acting rationally. Following the first call, a second 911 dispatch indicated that Baker had shot at her friend’s car and posed a direct threat to her.
Alongside Pate’s calls, other witnesses in the vicinity also contacted 911, describing the chaos as Baker put his son in a vehicle and fired at another car. An unidentified neighbor reported seeing Baker with a gun and called for immediate police assistance.
The interactions culminated in Baker returning to the apartment complex shortly after the initial disturbances. He confronted officers while still holding his child and reportedly revealed his suicidal intentions. Shortly thereafter, gunfire erupted between Baker and the responding officers.
As the investigation continues, the two officers involved have been placed on administrative leave, pending the results of a thorough review. Officials anticipate the inquiry into the incident will take several months to conclude, as the community grapples with the repercussions of this devastating event.