Newly released police body-camera footage has revealed the heartbreaking moment a Nevada father learned that his 11-year-old stepson, Brandon Dominguez-Chavarria, had been fatally shot during a road-rage encounter along the 215 Beltway near Henderson.
The fatal incident occurred on the morning of November 14, as Brandon sat in the back seat of his stepfather Valente Ayala’s SUV while being driven to school.
According to the Henderson Police Department, Ayala’s vehicle and another car driven by 22-year-old Tyler Matthew Johns became engaged in aggressive driving behavior, reportedly “jockeying for position” in traffic.
Investigators say the confrontation escalated when Johns attempted to pass on the freeway shoulder, leading to a verbal exchange between the two drivers. Moments later, Johns allegedly fired a single shot into Ayala’s vehicle.
The bullet struck Brandon in the head.
Realizing the severity of the injury, Ayala rammed Johns’ vehicle in an attempt to prevent him from leaving the scene.
Both men then exited their cars and confronted each other until a passerby alerted a nearby police officer.
When officers arrived, their cameras captured an emotional and chaotic scene.
Footage shows Ayala falling to the ground, overwhelmed with grief as he repeatedly cried out:
“My kid is dead… my son!”
Officers attempted to console him while paramedics rushed to the child.
Despite emergency efforts, Brandon could not be saved.
The Clark County Coroner later confirmed that he died from a single gunshot wound to the head.
Johns was detained at the scene.
In both police reports and bodycam video, he can be heard expressing immediate remorse, stating:
“It’s 100 percent my fault. I didn’t even know he had a kid in the car.”
Johns has been charged with open murder enhanced by the use of a deadly weapon, along with multiple firearms-related offenses. He remains in custody at the Henderson Detention Center pending court proceedings.
Prosecutors initially reviewed Ayala’s decision to ram Johns’ vehicle, but Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson confirmed no criminal charges would be filed, explaining that the action occurred during an intense emotional and life-threatening event.
Wolfson stated that Ayala’s conduct did not meet the threshold for criminal negligence.
Brandon’s family described him as a vibrant and loving child who enjoyed soccer, Roblox, and spending time with his siblings. A GoFundMe campaign created by relatives refers to him as:
“The light of our family — a sweet soul whose life was stolen in a senseless act of anger.”
The violent nature of the incident has sparked renewed public discussion regarding road-rage and firearm escalations.
Henderson Police Chief Reggie Rader addressed the community shortly after the shooting, calling the tragic loss:
“A sobering reminder that seconds of anger can destroy lives forever.”
He urged drivers to disengage from confrontational behavior and prioritize safety over pride or emotion.
The case remains under active investigation as authorities continue gathering evidence, witness statements, and traffic footage from the area. Meanwhile, the community continues to support the grieving family as they navigate the devastating loss.
Brandon’s death marks one of several high-profile road-rage shootings nationwide in recent years, highlighting what officials call a “growing and deeply concerning pattern” of violent responses to routine traffic disputes.
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