A stray bullet tore through the wall of a Las Vegas Valley apartment on Tuesday night, striking two young boys who were watching SpongeBob SquarePants. Tragically, the 9-year-old, SirArmani Clark, succumbed to his injuries, while his 6-year-old brother, Honor Tate, is expected to recover after being shot in the leg.
Police arrived at an apartment complex shortly after 6 p.m. on Monday, following reports of a shooting. The boys’ mother, Justine Tate, recalled the chilling moment when she realized something was wrong after hearing the gunshots and Honor’s whimper.
Authorities have arrested a neighbor believed to be responsible for the fatal shot, which they say originated from a neighboring apartment. The suspect, a convicted felon not permitted to use a gun, has not been publicly identified.
Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill expressed outrage at the senseless incident, stating that the neighbor was “showing off with a gun” before pulling the trigger.
It remains unclear what charges the neighbor will face in connection to the tragic shooting. In the meantime, the devastated family has established a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for funeral expenses.
Justine Tate expressed her heartbreak to Fox 5 News, stating that she wished she could have taken the bullet for her children.