On October 20, 2024, around 3 p.m., the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department responded to reports of a shooting at a convenience store on the 3700 block of Paradise Road, near Twain Avenue. Upon arrival, officers found 60-year-old Darrnell Worthy and a woman, both suffering from gunshot wounds. Worthy was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The woman was also hospitalized and was last reported in critical condition.
Surveillance footage revealed that a blue Chevrolet Silverado, driven by 20-year-old Eric Morales, was involved in a minor collision with a Kia Soul, driven by Worthy, at Sands Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard. Morales did not stop after the collision and proceeded to a nearby convenience store with a female companion. While they were waiting in line, Worthy and his passenger entered the store and confronted Morales about the hit-and-run. The confrontation escalated when Worthy punched Morales in the throat. In response, Morales grabbed Worthy by the throat, pushed him to the ground, and then drew a handgun from his waistband, shooting Worthy in the back as he attempted to get up. Morales fired multiple shots before leaving the scene with his companion.
Detectives later located Morales's vehicle concealed under a tarp with its license plate removed. They observed Morales return to the vehicle, reattach the license plate, and drive away. He was subsequently stopped and taken into custody. Morales faces charges of open murder with the use of a deadly weapon, attempted murder with the use of a deadly weapon, and robbery with the use of a deadly weapon. He is being held without bail, with his next court appearance scheduled for December 18.
