The family of a man fatally shot inside a Five Below store in northwest Las Vegas says they are struggling to process the loss as police continue searching for the suspect, who remains at large.
Brandon Lucas, 31, was shot and killed Wednesday evening while working at the store near Lake Mead Boulevard and Rainbow Boulevard. Court records show an arrest warrant has been issued for 19-year-old David Nathaniel Vasquez.
“Our family member’s life was taken while at work,” said Lucas’s cousin, Shekiera Wright. “It shouldn’t be that easy for someone to come in and locate someone and take their life.”
Grief
Wright said the days following her cousin’s death have been filled with grief, confusion, and frustration, particularly as the suspect has not yet been located.
“I locate a few cops and ask where is he,” Wright said. “‘Oh, we are working on him. That’s all we can tell you right now.’ That went on for hours. It was horrific.”
Family members said the uncertainty surrounding the investigation has made it difficult to begin the grieving process.
Shooting
According to police, a man entered the Five Below store Wednesday evening and asked for Lucas. Investigators said the two became involved in a confrontation, during which Lucas was shot.
Police have not publicly detailed how the two men knew each other. Wright said she believes the shooting may have stemmed from a misunderstanding involving a coworker.
“I don’t think he knew the suspect at all,” Wright said. “I think the suspect is the partner of a coworker, and I think there was some confusion about the relationship between my cousin and the coworker.”
After the shooting, police said the suspect fled the store. Officers later identified Vasquez as the suspect and obtained an arrest warrant.
Investigation
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officers continue searching for Vasquez. Authorities have not released additional information about his whereabouts.
Wright said the ongoing search has added to the family’s emotional burden.
“You’re trying to mourn and grieve and figure out funeral plans,” she said. “It’s one thing when someone passes from illness or an accident. When someone’s life is taken and the person responsible is still at large, it’s overwhelming.”
Message
Wright also directed a message toward the suspect.
“You were bold enough to do it,” she said. “Be bold enough to live with the aftermath of that.”
Store
The Five Below location remained closed the day after the shooting. The company said it plans to reopen the store when it determines it is appropriate to do so.
Lucas’s family said he will be laid to rest next week. They described him as a dedicated worker whose life ended while simply doing his job.
FAQs
Who was killed in the Five Below shooting?
Brandon Lucas, a 31-year-old employee at the store.
Where did the shooting occur?
At a Five Below store near Lake Mead and Rainbow.
Who is the suspect?
Police identified David Nathaniel Vasquez as the suspect.
Has the suspect been arrested?
No, police say he remains at large.
Is the store open?
The store closed temporarily after the shooting.
