A Nevada family and its law firm face a negligence lawsuit filed on March 9, 2026, accusing them of conspiracy in a 2024 double murder-suicide during a child custody deposition that killed attorney Dennis Prince, 57, his wife Ashley Prince, 30, and shooter Joseph Houston, 77. The suit, brought by Nancy Bernstein on behalf of her son Jack “Parker” Prince, targets Houston’s widow Katherine, son Dylan, and the defunct Joseph Houston Law Office.
Incident Background
The violence erupted on April 8, 2024, in a conference room at the Prince Law Group in Las Vegas amid Dylan’s bitter custody dispute with ex-wife Ashley. Joseph Houston, Dylan’s father and his attorney, suddenly opened fire during Katherine Houston’s deposition, killing Dennis and Ashley before fatally shooting himself 20 minutes later. Ashley had considered security but dropped it upon learning Dylan wouldn’t attend.
Alleged Family Involvement
The complaint cites pre-shooting messages as proof of foreknowledge:
- Dylan emailed Dennis four days prior: “You have no idea what’s coming do you, all your cards are on the table and I haven’t played one.”
- Dylan texted Ashley threats like “I don’t want to see you unless you’re in a casket,” “I will chisel you down to a weaker and worthless sack of bones,” and “I’ll crush you in ways you don’t even comprehend.”
It claims Katherine left the room without intervening, never checked on victims or her husband, and later transferred three properties to herself via trust.
Lawsuit Claims
Plaintiffs allege negligence through “conscious disregard for the criminal activity,” pursuing seven causes: wrongful death, civil conspiracy, battery, assault, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and false imprisonment. Parker lost his father’s “love, companionship, comfort, affection, society, solace, moral support, training, guidance, education, and financial support.” Damages sought exceed $15,000 per claim, plus punitive damages, attorneys’ fees, and costs. Defendants haven’t responded yet.
