On February 12, 2026, Las Vegas police responded to a fatal shooting in the parking lot of an apartment complex near East Sahara Avenue and South Maryland Parkway. The victim was identified as Antwon Watson, a father of five with another child on the way. According to investigators, Watson had been staying temporarily with his longtime friend, Mychael Vernell Thompson, 38, while waiting to move into his own place.
Police reports state that Thompson returned home around 7 a.m. after a night of heavy drinking. He accused Watson of having an affair with his girlfriend, sparking a heated argument inside the apartment. The confrontation spilled outside into the parking lot, where Thompson allegedly pulled out a firearm. Witnesses reported hearing a single gunshot, and Watson was found lying near a dumpster with a fatal wound.
Thompson’s girlfriend told detectives she heard the gunshot and rushed outside to find Watson already on the ground. Officers were called to the scene shortly after, and they discovered a SAR 9mm Luger cartridge nearby, which matched the weapon Thompson was believed to have used.
Police confirmed that Thompson fled the scene before officers arrived. He was later tracked down through his vehicle and taken into custody by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Thompson was charged with open murder with the use of a deadly weapon or tear gas, and he made his initial court appearance at the Regional Justice Center on February 13.
Family members of Watson described him as a devoted father who was preparing to welcome another child. His sudden death has left his loved ones devastated, with relatives emphasizing that he was not only a provider but also a caring figure in his children’s lives. The tragedy has sparked grief across the community, with friends and neighbors expressing disbelief at the violent turn of events.
The case remains under investigation as prosecutors prepare to pursue charges against Thompson. Authorities have highlighted the role of alcohol and jealousy in the incident, underscoring the dangers of domestic disputes escalating into violence. The community continues to mourn Watson’s loss while awaiting justice through the legal process.
