In the quiet of a North Las Vegas evening on October 14, 2018, a tragedy unfolded that would claim the lives of three members of a beloved local family. Susan Nash, a 52-year-old Black woman, along with her son Deonte Nash, 31, and daughter Dejona'e Nash, 20, were fatally attacked in a convenience store parking lot at the intersection of West Lake Mead Boulevard and Simmons Street.
Susan was a cherished special education teacher's aide at Desert Pines High School, known for her maternal presence and dedication to her students.
The events of that fatal night escalated from a prior dispute. The Nash family had gone to the parking lot to confront a man named Jose Easley Jr., 41, with whom another family member had an earlier argument. This confrontation turned violent, leading to an exchange of gunfire. In the ensuing chaos, Susan, Deonte, and Dejona'e were shot. Following the shooting, Easley allegedly drove his SUV over the victims as he fled the scene. While Deonte and Dejona'e died from multiple gunshot wounds, the coroner determined that Susan Nash's primary cause of death was multiple blunt force injuries from being run over, with gunshot wounds being a contributing factor.
In the days following the horrific incident, North Las Vegas police arrested Jose Easley Jr., an ex-convict with an extensive criminal history. He faced multiple charges, including murder and attempted murder. Bail for Easley was set at over one million dollars. Investigations revealed that a second gunman, a friend of the Nash family, had also fired a weapon during the confrontation, though it was unclear if his shots struck anyone. This individual was not immediately taken into custody.
The deaths of Susan, Deonte, and Dejona'e Nash sent shockwaves through their community. Friends, family, and students mourned the loss of a woman described as a mother figure to many. Vigils were held to honor the memories of the three family members whose lives were cut short in a senseless act of violence.
