Brandon Dominguez-Chavarria – A tragic incident on a Henderson freeway left an 11-year-old boy dead following an alleged road rage encounter, authorities confirmed. The victim has been identified as Brandon Dominguez-Chavarria, a young resident of Henderson. According to the Clark County Coroner’s Office, Brandon died from a gunshot wound to the head, and his death has been officially ruled a homicide, underscoring the severity of the violent incident.
The deadly encounter occurred on the 215 Beltway on Friday morning. Henderson Police reported that Brandon was a passenger in a vehicle involved in what investigators are describing as a road rage incident. Authorities believe the confrontation began when one vehicle attempted to pass another along the shoulder of the freeway. During this maneuver, the drivers of both vehicles reportedly rolled down their windows and exchanged words, escalating a routine traffic disagreement into a violent and tragic encounter.
Police say the situation took a deadly turn when one of the drivers, identified as 22-year-old Tyler Matthew Johns, allegedly brandished a firearm and fired a shot into the other car. The bullet struck Brandon, who was seated in the back seat of the vehicle, causing critical injuries. The driver of Brandon’s vehicle then attempted to defend themselves by ramming Johns’ car, bringing both vehicles to a stop. Fortunately, a Las Vegas police officer happened to be driving nearby and was flagged down by witnesses, leading to the prompt detention of the suspect at the scene.
Brandon was immediately transported to University Medical Center (UMC), where medical personnel worked to save his life. Despite their efforts, he succumbed to his injuries, leaving family, friends, and the Henderson community in profound grief. The loss of such a young life in a senseless act of violence has sparked widespread sorrow and concern over road rage incidents and gun violence on public roadways.
Following his arrest, Johns appeared in Henderson Justice Court on Saturday, where he was ordered to remain held without bail pending a future custody hearing. He faces a charge of open murder in connection with Brandon’s death, reflecting the serious nature of the crime. Law enforcement authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident, examining the events that led to the confrontation and collecting evidence to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the case.
Officials have emphasized that this appears to be an isolated incident, though it underscores the dangerous consequences that can arise from aggressive driving and firearm use during road disputes. Road rage incidents, while sometimes viewed as minor conflicts, can quickly escalate to life-threatening situations, particularly when weapons are involved. Authorities have highlighted the importance of remaining calm and avoiding confrontations on the road, as even brief moments of aggression can have irreversible outcomes.
The community has been deeply affected by Brandon’s death, and authorities are providing support services for his family and others impacted by the incident. Mental health professionals and victim support services are often mobilized in the wake of such tragedies to help families cope with sudden and violent losses. Police encourage anyone with additional information about the incident to come forward to assist in the ongoing investigation, which aims to clarify all contributing factors and circumstances surrounding the road rage encounter.
The case has drawn attention to broader concerns about gun violence and traffic safety, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of conflict prevention on roadways. The loss of Brandon Dominguez-Chavarria has left a community grieving and a family seeking answers during an exceptionally difficult time. Henderson Police and the Clark County Coroner’s Office remain committed to pursuing justice and ensuring a thorough investigation, while emphasizing the broader public safety message about the dangers of aggressive driving and the potential consequences of firearm use in public settings.
This tragic event underscores the devastating impact of road rage and violent confrontations, particularly when they involve young and vulnerable victims. Authorities continue to investigate and provide updates as more information becomes available, with the hope that justice will be served and that the community can begin to heal from this heartbreaking loss.
