In a tragic turn of events on the evening of September 20, 2018, 15-year-old Hispanic male Arias Josue Franco lost his life in a violent domestic dispute that unfolded in a Henderson, Nevada home. The harrowing incident began around 7:30 p.m. when 27-year-old Michael Franco arrived at the residence on Paradise Garden Drive. There, he fatally shot his ex-girlfriend, 34-year-old Selina Rowsell, their 5-year-old son Avi Franco, and Arias Josue Franco.
Arias, who was a swimmer in middle
school and enjoyed skateboarding, was known for his kind and respectful nature. He was a role model to his younger brother, Avi, and was well-liked in his neighborhood. In the midst of the chaos, Arias heroically ran back into the burning home in an attempt to save his younger brother. It was during this act of bravery that he was shot and killed by Michael Franco.
After carrying out the shootings, Michael Franco set the house on fire. A 17-year-old girl, identified as Rowsell's daughter, was also present in the home but managed to escape without physical harm. The tragic event concluded with Michael Franco taking his own life on the second floor of the residence.
The Clark County coroner's office later ruled the deaths of Selina Rowsell, Arias Josue Franco, and Avi Franco as homicides. Michael Franco's death was determined to be a suicide from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. As the perpetrator died at the scene, there were no arrests to be made in connection with this devastating murder-suicide.
