Las Vegas – On Tuesday, a public fact‑finding review held by Clark County examined the deadly February 3 encounter between Las Vegas Metro Police (LVMPD) officers and 28‑year‑old Quinton Baker at the Parkside Villas Apartments near Maryland Parkway and Wigwam. The review focused on the officers’ decision to open fire, which resulted in the deaths of Baker and his 3‑year‑old son, Kentre.

Testimony and officer statements

LVMPD Detective Brian Walter testified that, based on the officer’s statement at the scene, Baker was considered an immediate threat. He recounted that a domestic disturbance call had brought officers to the complex shortly before 1:30 a.m., where Baker was involved in an argument with two women. One woman told police that Baker had threatened to kill his son and then himself.

According to Walter, Baker warned, “If you don’t tell them to call this off and if they try to come up these stairs, I’m blowing Kentre’s brains out and blowing mine out. You won’t have either one of us.” He said Baker later walked toward officers while holding Kentre and pointing a handgun at the child, ignoring repeated commands to stop.

Use of force

Body‑worn camera footage captured officers repeatedly ordering Baker to cease his actions. One officer can be heard asking, “Does he have the gun on the kid’s chest?” A supervising officer on scene instructed an officer to fire if he had a clear line of fire. Investigators reported that two officers discharged a combined five rounds at Baker, who also fired four rounds during the confrontation.

Autopsy reports showed Baker sustained four gunshot wounds, while Kentre suffered two. Investigators could not determine whether the bullets that struck Kentre came from the officers’ weapons or Baker’s gun, as the coroner did not specify the source of each bullet.

Potential alternatives

When asked whether the situation might have ended peacefully, Walter suggested that if Baker had remained inside the apartment, SWAT and negotiators could have arrived, possibly leading to a non‑violent resolution. He emphasized that the officers were reacting to the threat presented by Baker’s actions.

Review purpose and context

Clark County District Attorney’s Office had previously concluded that criminal prosecution of the officers was not appropriate. Hearing officer Ozzie Fumo clarified that the review was not a trial but an effort to present the public with essential facts surrounding the deaths.

The fact‑finding review aims to increase transparency and provide the community with a clearer understanding of the events that led to the tragic loss of a father and his young son.

Original reporting: News 3 KSNV Las Vegas (local) — read the source article.