He called 911 for help. Then a Las Vegas police officer shot and killed him

In a shocking incident that has left the community of Las Vegas reeling, Brandon Durham, a 43-year-old realtor and devoted father, lost his life after calling 911 for help during a home invasion. On the night of the tragic event, Brandon was at home with his teenage daughter when he reached out to authorities, seeking assistance. Instead of providing the support he desperately needed, police officers responding to the scene ended up taking his life. This heartbreaking situation has prompted local activists to rally outside Las Vegas City Hall, advocating for justice for Brandon Durham.

What Happened That Night

On the day of the shooting, Brandon called to report that shots had been fired at his home. According to the recordings from that night, he could be heard expressing his distress:

  • Brandon's Call: "To try to kill people who try to kill people!"
  • Dispatch Response: "Did they shoot at your home?"
  • Brandon's Distress: "I don’t know how I got my head back. Everything is happening right now!"

When police arrived, Brandon was reportedly struggling to disarm a woman named Alyssa Alejandro Boudreau, who had allegedly attacked him. In a split-second decision, an officer fired six shots at Brandon, resulting in his death.

Alyssa Boudreau, who was in a casual relationship with Brandon, has since been charged with multiple offenses, including:

  • Assault with a deadly weapon
  • Home invasion with a deadly weapon
  • Domestic violence
  • Child abuse

The officer involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave, while Brandon's family is demanding accountability and justice. They believe the officer should face arrest and charges for his actions that night.

Emotional Responses from Family Members

In interviews following the incident, Brandon's sister, Diane Wright, and their attorney, Lee Merritt, expressed their heartbreak and disbelief:

Diane stated, "It is heart-wrenching hearing the terror in his voice, and seeing the look on his face is completely heartbreaking. I can’t get the image out of my head. It was truly a disservice."

Attorney Merritt highlighted a critical timeline, revealing that police had been called to Brandon's residence earlier that same day. They stated:

"Was the officer who fired the shots that killed Brandon Durham on the scene the day before? We are still trying to figure out everything involved in the previous call from the day before."

The family received information indicating that Boudreau had allegedly wanted Brandon to be shot, expressing an intent for a "suicide by cop." This devastating narrative left Diane struggling to comprehend the circumstances surrounding her brother's violent death:

"I am unable to fathom how this even went so horribly wrong. My brother was ripped away from us, and it is completely heartbreaking."

Impact on Brandon's Family

As the dust settles on this tragic event, the family is left grappling with the loss. Brandon’s 15-year-old daughter, who was present during the ordeal, is attempting to find strength in this difficult time. Diane shared about her niece:

"She is doing her best to be strong... he was everything to her, and his life was ripped away."

The entire situation raises significant concerns about police conduct and the protocols followed during emergency responses. Brandon simply called for help, believing he could rely on law enforcement to assist him in a moment of danger. Instead, the ultimate tragedy unfolded.

The Road Ahead

The community’s outcry for justice has only begun, with advocates demanding transparency from the Las Vegas Police Department regarding the events that led to this unspeakable loss. As they organize rallies and public support, the hope for accountability grows stronger.

The story of Brandon Durham serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities surrounding law enforcement interactions and the urgent need for reform within our justice system.