On December 9, 2017, 22-year-old Hispanic male Derian Contreras was fatally shot during a botched drug robbery in northwest Las Vegas. The incident occurred around 3:20 p.m. in the garage of a residence on the 4100 block of Overbrook Drive, near Rainbow Boulevard and Alexander Road. Contreras and another man, identified as the dealer, were both shot multiple times. Contreras succumbed to his injuries at University Medical Center, while the dealer was listed in critical condition.
The shooting was the result of a planned robbery orchestrated by 19-year-old Elijah A. Watson and juvenile Arick Marquiese Turner. According to police reports, Watson drove Turner to the location with the intention of robbing the dealer of marijuana. Watson was to receive $15 and a share of the marijuana in exchange for his role. Turner entered the garage under the pretense of purchasing marijuana, but a struggle ensued when he reached for a pocket containing both cash and a handgun. During the altercation, Turner shot both Contreras and the dealer. The dealer attempted to return fire, but his weapon malfunctioned.
Following the incident, both suspects were apprehended by law enforcement. Watson was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, and attempted robbery. Turner faced similar charges, including an additional count of carrying a concealed weapon without a permit. Evidence collected at the scene, including Turner's wallet containing his Nevada and Centennial High School IDs, linked him directly to the crime. Both suspects initially denied involvement but later admitted to their roles during police interviews.
Derian Contreras was remembered by friends and family as a vibrant individual with a strong presence in his community. Tributes highlighted his intelligence, helpful nature, and dedication to his family. His untimely death marked the 237th homicide in Clark County for the year 2017, underscoring the tragic consequences of gun violence in the area.
