Authorities have identified 36-year-old Andre Matthews as the victim of a deadly shooting that occurred just west of the Las Vegas Strip earlier this month. Two suspects, Joseph Skeirik, 30, and Vivian Jimenez, 34, are now facing murder charges in connection with his death.
According to Las Vegas Metro Police, the shooting took place around 2 a.m. on Wednesday, August 6, near Sahara Avenue and Richfield Boulevard. Responding officers found Matthews lying in the roadway with a gunshot wound to the neck. He was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries on August 8.
Investigators say Matthews, who worked at a nearby fast-food restaurant, was on his break when he encountered Skeirik and Jimenez. Surveillance footage and witness accounts revealed that Matthews was involved in a heated argument with Skeirik before the shooting. Witnesses alleged Skeirik, who has a swastika tattoo, repeatedly directed racial slurs at Matthews. Another witness stated the altercation began after Matthews asked Jimenez for a bite of her hot dog.
Police allege that Jimenez supplied the firearm Skeirik used to shoot Matthews and that neither suspect attempted to call for help. Surveillance video reportedly captured Matthews chasing the pair before the confrontation turned deadly. Shortly afterward, Skeirik and Jimenez were seen running from the area without Matthews in sight, except for when his body was later found lying in the street.
Skeirik faces five charges, including open murder and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person due to a prior felony conviction. Jimenez faces three charges, including open murder. Both were denied bail by a judge, and their preliminary hearing is set for August 27.
The case has sparked outrage over the alleged racial motive behind the killing, and authorities continue to gather evidence as the investigation moves forward.
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