In the predawn hours of September 22, 2015, the quiet of a central Las Vegas neighborhood was shattered by the discovery of a man's body. Derrick LaMar Patterson, a 46-year-old Black/African American man, was found shot to death in a driveway near the intersection of Owens Avenue and D Street. Police were called to the scene just after 1 a.m. and found Patterson suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
The Clark County coroner's office would later rule his death a homicide, leaving a community in shock and a family searching for answers.
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, details were scarce. Investigators appealed to the public for any information that could lead to the apprehension of those responsible for Patterson's death. The initial lack of suspects or a clear motive left the case shrouded in mystery. For months, the investigation continued with no arrests made, and the case remained open as detectives worked to piece together the events that led to the fatal shooting. The silence in the case was finally broken in January 2016, when authorities announced the arrest of 26-year-old Marquic Williams, also known as "Red."
Prosecutors alleged that Williams murdered Patterson in a revenge plot. According to grand jury testimony, Williams believed that Patterson had broken into his apartment and stolen drugs and money. Williams reportedly told a neighbor that he saw Patterson, who he knew as "Q," walking away from his apartment and returned to find his windows smashed and the items missing. He then allegedly confessed to the neighbor that he had killed Patterson in retaliation. The. 38-caliber revolver used in the slaying was also linked to a previous shooting incident involving Williams.
Following his arrest, Marquic Williams was held without bail at the Clark County Detention Center. He faced a string of serious charges, including murder with the use of a deadly weapon and conspiracy to commit murder. Authorities also indicated at the time that they were searching for a second suspect who may have been involved in Patterson's death. The arrest of Williams marked a significant turning point in the investigation, bringing a measure of hope for justice for Derrick LaMar Patterson and his grieving family.
