A routine morning walk between two sisters in Las Vegas ended in tragedy after one of them was fatally shot during an alleged robbery, according to police and family statements.
Authorities say 75-year-old Hester Johnson was killed on May 12 after a suspect approached her and her older sister, 78-year-old Iredell Washington, during their daily walk near South El Capitan Way and West Flamingo Road.
Washington later described holding her sister in her arms as she died, pleading with her not to leave.
Incident
According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, the sisters were walking together in the early morning hours when a man approached them and demanded their belongings.
Police identified the suspect as 24-year-old Devion Teague.
“Teague approached them and demanded their belongings,” police said in a statement. “One victim hesitated and Teague shot her. The other victim handed over her belongings. Teague then fled the area in a vehicle.”
Johnson suffered fatal injuries during the shooting. Washington survived the encounter and later spoke publicly about the moments after the attack.
Sister
In an interview with Las Vegas television station KLAS, Washington recalled trying to comfort her younger sister as she lay wounded.
“Don’t leave me, don’t leave me here,” Washington said she told her sister while holding her.
“I just screamed,” she told the station. “I just told her, ‘Don’t leave me here all by myself.’”
Washington said the two sisters shared a close bond and spent time together every day.
“We were like best friends,” she said. “We would get up and go out and walk in the morning. We would talk about what we were going to do throughout the day.”
She also told reporters the suspect appeared to be speaking softly through a mask during the confrontation.
“I told the police he didn’t say it loud enough,” Washington said while describing the alleged robbery demand.
Victim
Family members described Johnson as a caring and active member of the community who dedicated much of her time to helping others.
According to Washington, Johnson volunteered and worked as a sign language interpreter for Opportunity Village, a Las Vegas nonprofit organization that supports individuals with intellectual disabilities.
“She loved Opportunity Village,” Washington said. “She learned how to do sign language there to help the people, and she just loved helping people.”
Loved ones said Johnson was known for her kindness and willingness to assist others in her community.
Investigation
Police later identified Teague during the investigation and took him into custody.
Authorities said he was already facing separate charges connected to conspiracy to commit grand larceny of a motor vehicle and grand larceny of a motor vehicle in another case.
In connection with the fatal shooting, Teague now faces the following charges:
| Charge | Details |
|---|---|
| Open murder with a deadly weapon | Related to Johnson’s death |
| Robbery with a deadly weapon | Two counts filed |
| Additional pending charges | Separate vehicle theft case |
Officials have not released additional details about the evidence that led investigators to identify Teague as the suspect.
Court
Court records show Teague’s next scheduled hearing is set for July 1.
The case continues to move through the Nevada court system as investigators gather evidence and prosecutors prepare formal proceedings.
Under Nevada law, an open murder charge allows prosecutors and jurors to later determine the level of homicide based on the facts presented during the case.
Grief
Washington said she continues struggling with the loss of her sister while trying to process the violent encounter.
Asked what Johnson would tell her now, Washington said she believes her sister would encourage her to remain strong.
“I know she would tell me, ‘You gotta be strong because I’m not coming back,’” Washington said.
“And I know she’s not. All the crying is not going to bring her back. But I just want justice for her.”
The case has drawn attention in Las Vegas as residents continue discussing concerns around violent crime and public safety, particularly involving older adults.
For Washington, however, the focus remains on the loss of a sister she described as both a companion and closest friend.
FAQs
Who was killed during the Las Vegas robbery?
Police identified the victim as Hester Johnson.
Where did the shooting happen?
It happened near West Flamingo Road in Las Vegas.
Who is the suspect in the case?
Police arrested 24-year-old Devion Teague.
What charges does the suspect face?
He faces murder and robbery charges.
When is the next court hearing?
The next court date is scheduled for July 1.
