Police in Las Vegas, Nevada say a domestic dispute between parents escalated into the fatal shooting of a 3-year-old boy in the early morning hours of Feb. 3. The incident occurred at an apartment complex in the 8400 block of South Maryland Parkway, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
Authorities said the child, identified as Kentre Baker, was shot in the head by his father, Quinton Baker, during a confrontation with police. Officers then shot and killed Baker after he allegedly opened fire while holding the child.
911 Calls and Police Confrontation
Audio from 911 calls obtained by the Las Vegas Review-Journal described the escalating situation. The boy’s mother, Raneka Pate, told dispatchers that Baker was “not in his right mind” and was threatening both her and their son.
According to police, Baker allegedly assaulted Pate and fired shots at her and a friend’s vehicle before returning to the apartment with the child. Body camera footage later showed Baker holding the toddler and pointing a gun at him while confronting officers outside the residence.
Clark County Assistant Sheriff Bryan Peterson said Baker had threatened to kill the child and himself. During the standoff, the child was struck in the head by what authorities described as a close-contact gunshot wound fired by Baker. Police said the child was also struck once in the leg by gunfire from officers during the exchange.
Investigation and Aftermath
Police said officers shot Baker after he discharged his weapon. The Clark County coroner determined that the child’s fatal injury was caused by a gunshot fired by Baker, officials said.
The officers involved have been placed on administrative leave pending an internal review, which is expected to take several months. Pate has retained an attorney and has publicly questioned police actions during the incident.
Authorities described the situation as a rapidly unfolding hostage scenario, stating that officers had only moments to respond in an effort to save the child’s life.
