On February 26, 2023, a tragic incident occurred in Las Vegas, Nevada, resulting in the death of 33-year-old Rosemary Abeita. The shooting took place at an apartment complex on the 700 block of East Twain Avenue, near UNLV, just after 10 p.m.
According to witness accounts, Abeita was standing outside her cousin's apartment when she became involved in an altercation with another woman. The situation escalated when the woman reportedly called her son to confront Abeita.
Witnesses overheard the mother stating that she was 'too old to fight' and that she 'just shoots people'.
The confrontation took a deadly turn when the son allegedly shot Abeita in the stomach and head. A witness reported seeing Abeita fall down the stairs after being shot. Despite the quick response of law enforcement, Abeita was pronounced dead at the scene. The Clark County Coroner's office later confirmed that she died from multiple gunshot wounds.
Following an investigation, police identified the suspects as Sakoya James, 40, and her son, Lashawn Hick. James was arrested on March 2, 2023, and charged with murder and conspiracy. She was held without bail. A warrant was issued for her son, who faced charges of murder and being a felon in possession of a gun.
The case continued to develop, and by April 2024, both Sakoya James and her son had been convicted for their roles in Abeita's murder. They were sentenced to a minimum of 15 years in prison for their involvement in the fatal shooting.
This tragic event shocked the Las Vegas community and highlighted the devastating consequences of gun violence. The loss of Rosemary Abeita at such a young age serves as a somber reminder of the impact of violent crime on families and communities.
