On August 2, 2019, a tragic double homicide occurred in the northwest valley of Las Vegas, resulting in the deaths of 19-year-old Harlee Andrew Deborski and 19-year-old Timothy Allen Bailey. The incident took place between 8 and 9 p.m. at a home located on the 7800 block of Airola Peak Street, near West Grand Teton Drive and North Hualapai Way.
The suspect in this case is Chance Underwood, also 19 years old at the time of the incident.
Underwood was arrested by Las Vegas police on August 9, 2019, and was subsequently charged with two counts of open murder, as well as one count each of burglary while in possession of a gun and carrying a concealed weapon without a permit.
Underwood was acquainted with both victims. Harlee Deborski and Timothy Bailey worked at Jason Deborski's audiovisual company, Intrinsic Production Resources. Harlee Deborski, who had been working for his father's company since he was a child, had introduced Bailey to the job about a year prior to the incident. Jason Deborski, Harlee's father, mentioned that the three were known to each other, although he was unsure of the exact motive behind the shootings.
The shooting resulted in the immediate deaths of both victims. Bailey died from a gunshot wound to the back of his head, while Deborski was killed by a gunshot wound to his head, as confirmed by the coroner's office.
Underwood's arrest and subsequent court appearances revealed more details about the case. In October 2024, Underwood pleaded guilty but mentally ill to two counts of murder with a deadly weapon, along with the additional charges of burglary with a deadly weapon and carrying a concealed firearm. It was disclosed during the trial that Underwood had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and had spent 456 days in a mental hospital during the case. His attorney, Ryan Bashor, explained that Underwood's mental health issues led him to hear the names of the victims repeatedly, resulting in an irrational belief that killing them would alleviate his fears and make him feel normal again.
During the sentencing hearing, District Judge Carli Kierny ordered Underwood to serve 45 years to life in prison, despite requests from the prosecution and the victims' families for the maximum sentence of life in prison without parole. Underwood apologized in court, expressing his regret and asking for forgiveness from the families of the victims.
The impact of the tragedy on the families was profound. Jason Deborski described his son Harlee as an outgoing and kind individual who loved sports, video games, nature, and spending time with his family. He recalled the last conversation with his son, where Harlee mentioned he was going to pick up Bailey from work. The family organized a candlelight vigil for the victims at Desert Breeze Park, emphasizing the loss of two young lives with promising futures ahead.
The case highlighted the complexities of mental health and its potential consequences. Despite Underwood's lack of a significant criminal history and his achievements as a student and athlete, his untreated mental health issues led to a devastating outcome. The families of the victims continue to grapple with the loss and seek closure, while Underwood begins his lengthy prison sentence.
