On May 9, 2021, a homicide investigation was initiated by the North Las Vegas Police Department following the discovery of a man shot and killed in a car in a parking lot. The victim, later identified by the Clark County Coroner as 31-year-old Jose Carlos Rodriguez from North Las Vegas, was found deceased in a sedan located in a shopping plaza parking lot near East Centennial Parkway and Goldfield Street.
The incident occurred around 9:30 p.m.
when officers responded to a call about a person who had been shot. Upon arrival, they found Rodriguez inside the vehicle suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the head. Medical personnel pronounced him deceased at the scene. The preliminary investigation revealed that Rodriguez had parked his car in the parking lot when he was approached by two men. One of these men then shot Rodriguez before both suspects fled the scene. Police indicated that this incident was not believed to be a random act of violence, suggesting it was a targeted attack.
Following an extensive investigation, the North Las Vegas Police Department made significant progress in identifying and apprehending the suspects involved in Rodriguez's murder. On June 3, 2021, three men were arrested and charged in connection with the fatal shooting. The suspects were identified as 20-year-old Xavier Philpot, 21-year-old Eelyzjah Barnett, and 18-year-old Jayln Barnett. All three were taken into custody without incident and were booked at the North Las Vegas Community Correctional Center. They face charges of open murder with a deadly weapon, attempted robbery with a deadly weapon, conspiracy to commit robbery, and kidnapping.
The arrests were a result of diligent investigative work by the North Las Vegas Police Department, which likely involved gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing the circumstances surrounding the crime. The swift apprehension of the suspects brought some measure of closure to the family and community affected by Rodriguez's tragic death. The case highlights the collaborative efforts of law enforcement in resolving violent crimes and ensuring justice for the victims and their families.
