On February 16, 2021, a tragic incident occurred at The Clubs at Rhodes Ranch Apartment Homes, located at 8975 W. Warm Springs Road in the southwest Las Vegas Valley. James Baugh, a 19-year-old resident of Las Vegas, was fatally shot during a confrontation that arose from an illegal drug sale.
The incident unfolded in the afternoon, with police receiving a call at approximately 4 p.m. Upon arrival, officers found Baugh suffering from a gunshot wound.
He was immediately transported to University Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. The Clark County coroner's office later confirmed that Baugh's death was a homicide resulting from a gunshot wound to the chest.
The shooting was the outcome of a fight between Baugh and two other males, which escalated over the illegal drug transaction. The Metropolitan Police Department investigated the scene and gathered evidence, leading to the identification of a suspect involved in the altercation.
A significant development in the case came with the arrest of a 15-year-old male, later identified as Damon Hankins. Hankins was taken into custody shortly after the shooting and was booked at the Clark County Detention Center on charges of murder and attempted robbery. The police release indicated that Hankins was one of the individuals involved in the fight with Baugh over the drug sale.
Due to Hankins' age, the Las Vegas police declined to release his arrest report or mugshot, adhering to protocols protecting the identity of juvenile suspects. However, it was confirmed that Hankins was directly linked to the fatal shooting and was facing serious charges in connection with Baugh's death.
The investigation highlighted the complexities and dangers associated with illegal drug transactions, particularly when they involve minors. The case remains a stark reminder of the violent consequences that can arise from such activities. As of the available information, Damon Hankins was the sole suspect arrested and charged in connection with James Baugh's murder.
