Birthday Cake in Cart Before Las Vegas Grocery Store Shooting, Police Say

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Birthday Cake

A Nevada man accused of killing his ex-wife and her new husband inside a Las Vegas grocery store is facing multiple charges after what police describe as a targeted attack connected to an ongoing custody dispute.

Authorities say Alejandro Estrada, 43, entered a Smith’s grocery store in the Silverado Ranch area on Tuesday and fatally shot Amanda Frias Rosas and her husband, Victor Frias Rosas, before being stopped by bystanders outside the store.

Investigators say the shooting followed years of conflict involving custody and child support issues between Estrada and his former spouse.

Shooting

According to police and witness accounts, Estrada entered the grocery store carrying multiple weapons, including a handgun and another firearm reportedly stored in a backpack.

Shoppers described hearing a rapid series of gunshots inside the store.

“There was a volley of shots – like eight shots,” witness Paula Milton told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “All of the sudden you just heard bang, bang, bang, bang.”

Milton said Estrada appeared calm both before and after the shooting.

“He was completely calm. No expression. No nothing,” she said.

Witnesses told local media that Estrada walked through the store before eventually being confronted outside by several bystanders who tackled him and removed a weapon.

Police later confirmed that multiple individuals helped subdue the suspect before officers arrived at the scene.

Response

Las Vegas police said officers responding to the shooting found at least three civilians restraining Estrada outside the store.

During a press conference, officials praised the actions of those involved.

“The individuals showed tremendous courage,” a police spokesperson said.

Authorities stated that several weapons were recovered from Estrada after the incident.

Police also confirmed that investigators believe the shooting was linked to an ongoing domestic and custody-related conflict involving Estrada and Amanda Frias Rosas.

Custody

According to investigators, Estrada and Amanda Frias Rosas had been dealing with custody disputes concerning their 12-year-old son.

Officials said tensions had increased as the family prepared to celebrate the child’s birthday.

A co-worker at the grocery store, Arturo Salazar, said the couple had been shopping before the attack occurred.

“You know what they had in the shopping cart when they got killed?” Salazar told local outlet KVVU. “They had a cake that said, ‘Happy birthday.’”

The detail drew attention online as community members reacted to the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Posts

Amanda Frias Rosas had previously shared social media posts referencing conflict with her former partner and the emotional impact custody disputes can have on children.

In a Facebook post from January 2025, she wrote:

“The hate you have for your ex should never be more than the love you have for your child.”

She continued by saying that parents should not have to “beg or fight” for a place in their child’s life.

Later that year, she shared another message about parenting responsibilities and accused someone of using children “as pawns” to fulfill a “vendetta.”

While the posts did not mention Estrada directly, investigators are reviewing the history of the relationship as part of the case.

Background

Public records reviewed by local media show that Amanda Frias Rosas and Victor Frias Rosas were married in February 2025 after she and Estrada separated in 2023.

According to local CBS affiliate KLAS, court records also showed Estrada had been ordered to pay monthly child support and allegedly owed more than $2,800 as of November 2025.

Reports indicated the former couple shared joint legal custody of their son.

Friends and coworkers described Amanda and Victor Frias Rosas as supportive and well-liked members of the community.

A family friend told local media that the couple was known for helping others and maintaining positive relationships with people around them.

“This is somebody who’s one of the nicest people I’ve ever met,” the friend said about Victor Frias Rosas.

Charges

Estrada has been charged with multiple offenses, including:

ChargeCount
Open murder2
Discharging a firearm8
Burglary while possessing a firearm1
Aggravated stalking with a deadly weapon1

Authorities said Estrada was expected to appear in court Wednesday.

The investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue reviewing witness statements, surveillance footage, and evidence collected at the scene.

Community

The shooting has raised renewed concerns about domestic violence, custody-related conflict, and public safety in shared community spaces.

Advocates have long warned that disputes involving family court matters can escalate when threats, stalking, or ongoing harassment are involved.

Local residents and coworkers gathered near the grocery store following the incident to mourn the victims and support their family.

As the legal process moves forward, investigators are continuing to examine the events leading up to the shooting and whether additional warning signs were present before the attack occurred.

FAQs

Where did the Las Vegas shooting happen?

It happened inside a Smith’s grocery store.

Who were the victims in the shooting?

Amanda and Victor Frias Rosas were killed.

What was the suspected motive?

Police cited an ongoing custody dispute.

How was the suspect stopped?

Bystanders tackled and restrained him outside.

What charges does Alejandro Estrada face?

He faces murder, stalking, and firearm charges.

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