Local News

Actions

UPDATE: Man accused of 2016 murder sentenced to life in prison

Posted at 12:03 AM, Oct 02, 2016
and last updated 2019-11-07 02:53:23-05

UPDATE NOV. 6, 2019: James Farr was sentenced to life in prison and will be eligible for parole after 16 years.

UPDATE OCT. 6, 2016:  28-year-old James Farr II was identified as the primary suspect. He was arrested on Oct. 5 after turning himself in. He was booked at the Clark County Detention Center where he faces charges of open murder, burglary while possessing a firearm and grand larceny auto. 
 
13 Action News spoke with the family of Chad Shelton, the 27-year-old victim. 
 
"Chad had a lot going for him," said father John Shelton.
 
Chad, a beloved lighting designer, had recently moved to Las Vegas to pursue his dreams.
 
"Everybody who has hired him says they want him back," John said. "He has a standing offer in Chicago."
 
Police said Chad was sleeping in his bedroom when Farr, the accused burglar, walked in.  
 
"He was shot sitting up in his bed," John said. "I'll never hear him call me pops again."
 
Chad had received his masters degree from San Diego State University in May. The designer was passionate about lighting concerts and shows.
 
The 27-year-old had also found love.
 
"There's just a constant pain in my heart," said girlfriend Andie Fitch. "I knew I was in love with him the first time we hung out."
 
Chad leaves behind three siblings. His parents said they are comforted by the fact that he touched so many lives in his 27 years.
 
"If friendship is a measure of value, he was the most valuable person," John said.
 
San Diego State University is considering starting a scholarship in Chad's honor, according to relatives.
 
ORIGINAL STORY
 
LAS VEGAS (KTNV) -- A man was found dead with a gunshot wound Saturday evening inside a home on Surrey Street, near Hacienda and Eastern.
 
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said an electric-blue 2016 Hyundai with Nevada custom license plates "RAAPTOR" was stolen during the incident. The vehicle was later found at 2:30 a.m. several blocks away.
 
Metro says the victim is a man in his late 20s or early 30s. 
 
It appears five people lived in the house, but the man may have been alone when this happened, according to Metro.
 
One of the roommates came home and found the body Saturday about 7:30 p.m. She told officers the place had been ransacked.
 
Some things are missing, including two shotguns and possibly other firearms. 
 
Metro says they do not have information about a possible suspect. Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 702-385-5555.