On September 6, 2016, Charles Edward Warren, a 28-year-old resident of Las Vegas, Nevada, was fatally shot along with another man, Deante Dixon, 24, whose city of residence was unknown. The incident occurred in the northwest valley of Las Vegas, specifically at an apartment complex located in the 2200 block of North Torrey Pines Drive, near the intersection with West Smoke Ranch Road.
Police responded to the scene around 6:15 p.m. after receiving reports of gunshots.
Upon arrival, they found Warren and Dixon, with one of the men inside a vehicle and the other on the ground near the vehicle. Both victims were taken to University Medical Center, where they later succumbed to their injuries from multiple gunshot wounds. The investigation by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Homicide Section revealed that the two victims were seated in the vehicle when multiple shots were fired, and at least two suspects fled the scene before the police arrived.
The case remained unsolved for some time until significant developments led to the identification and arrest of a suspect. Johnny Baggett, who was 19 years old at the time of the shootings, was eventually linked to the crime. Baggett was connected to the scene through evidence found in the vehicle, including his driver's license and a 9 mm handgun. Additionally, witnesses reported seeing two men flee the complex and jump a perimeter fence, which aligned with the investigation's findings.
Baggett's involvement in the crime was further solidified by his connection to other violent incidents in the area. He was captured on video surveillance firing a handgun in the direction of two people at a Caesars Palace parking structure and later firing into the air and toward a crowd at a party in the southwest valley. These incidents, along with the discovery of a stolen iPad and the identification of a resident of the house where the party was located, all pointed to Baggett's continued violent behavior.
In March 2018, a jury convicted Baggett of 13 charges, including two counts of first-degree murder for the slayings of Warren and Dixon. He was subsequently sentenced to back-to-back life sentences without the possibility of parole by District Judge Carolyn Ellsworth. During the sentencing, Chief Deputy District Attorney Giancarlo Pesci emphasized Baggett's ongoing violent behavior, making it difficult to argue that he could be trusted in society. Despite Baggett's attorney, Robert Langford, arguing that Baggett was young and could potentially become a positive influence with proper treatment and guidance, the court ultimately decided on the life sentences.
The conviction and sentencing of Johnny Baggett brought closure to the families of Charles Edward Warren and Deante Dixon, resolving a case that had initially left the community and law enforcement seeking answers. The detailed investigation and evidence collection were crucial in identifying and bringing the perpetrator to justice.
