On New Year's Day in 2012, the life of 59-year-old Hispanic female, Rosa Monarrez, was tragically cut short in her Las Vegas home. Her brother discovered her body on the evening of January 1st, initially believing she may have taken her own life. However, it was soon determined by the Clark County coroner's office that she had died from a gunshot wound to the neck.
The residence was located in the 1000 block of Bracken Avenue, near South Maryland Parkway and East Oakey Boulevard.
The investigation quickly focused on a person of interest, Rosa's 29-year-old nephew, David Monarrez, who lived at the home with her and other family members. There was reportedly "constant conflict" between the two, often centered around financial issues. It was also noted that Rosa had a bipolar brain disorder, while David was deaf and had been diagnosed with schizophrenia.
David Monarrez was taken into custody in the early morning hours of January 2nd when he returned to the house. Upon his arrest, officers found him in possession of a black and gray nylon bag containing a 9 mm handgun. The gun reportedly had blood and hair on it. During an interview with police, which was conducted with the assistance of an officer fluent in sign language, David Monarrez initially denied the bag was his. However, he later described its contents and ultimately admitted to shooting his aunt. He stated he had purchased the gun for $500.
David Monarrez was subsequently booked into the Clark County Detention Center on a charge of murder with a deadly weapon. He was held without bail. The death of Rosa Monarrez marked the first homicide in Las Vegas for the year 2012.
