The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department reported on Monday, April 8, a deadly shooting event at the office of the Prince Law Group, situated in Summerlin, an upscale suburb of Las Vegas, Nevada. The incident resulted in three fatalities.
Local attorney, Dennis Prince, and his wife, Ashley Prince, were amongst the victims of the deadly incident, occurring during a legal deposition. The shooter, identified as James W. Houston II, the former father-in-law of Ashley Prince, took his own life after the shooting.
The shooting took place around 10 a.m. at the law firm’s office, approximately 15 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip, in a building known for hosting professional services. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s Lieutenant Jason Johansson, during a media briefing, outlined that the dispute that led to the shooting was related to a child custody deposition between Ashley Prince and her ex-husband, Dylan Edward Houston. The shooter, James W. Houston II, was representing his son, Dylan, in the custody dispute.
On the day the incident occurred, Ashley Prince had submitted an emergency motion for sole custody of her children with Dylan Houston, further escalating the already tense legal proceedings. The custody dispute over their two children was the primary source of the conflict, with Ashley previously receiving joint custody.
Dennis Prince, known as one of the top trial lawyers in Nevada, was representing his wife, Ashley, in the dispute against her ex-husband.
The couple, who were victims in the shooting, had recently welcomed a newborn into their family.
The violent incident triggered a swift response from local law enforcement, which led to brief lockdowns at nearby schools as a safety measure. The lockdowns were lifted without any additional incidents, and no similar protocols were enforced at neighboring businesses.
Both the local and legal communities have voiced their deep sorrow over the loss of the couple. Dennis Prince was particularly remembered for his professional accomplishments and contributions to Nevada’s legal field. Robert Eglet, a former law partner, expressed his grief, stating that Prince was ‘one of the best trial lawyers in the state.’
In 2016, Prince was honored as Nevada Trial Lawyer of the Year by the Nevada Justice Association, having successfully brought over 100 cases to verdict before a jury.
The GGRM Law Firm, a personal injury specialist based in Winchester, issued an official statement following the announcement of the couple’s tragic passing.
“We are deeply saddened by the violent loss of our respected colleague, Dennis Prince, and his wife, Ashley,” the firm stated, adding, “Ashley, consistently displayed a remarkable level of kindness and empathy, leaving a profound impact on those she met with her genuine care and generosity.”
