Police Fatality Public Fact-Finding Review into the Death of Justin Walsh - August 6, 2026
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Police Fatality Public Fact-Finding Review into the Death of Justin Walsh - August 6, 2026
This public fact-finding review was held at 9:00 AM on August 6, 2026, at 500 S. Grand Central Parkway, Las Vegas, NV, because the Clark County District Attorney's Office made a preliminary determination that no criminal prosecution of the officers involved in the death of Justin Walsh is appropriate. The review was conducted pursuant to Clark County Ordinance Chapter 2.12. Willard Ewing served as the ombudsman representing the public and the Walsh family. The purpose was to present essential facts surrounding the death of Justin Walsh on January 6, 2026.
Consent Calendar
- No routine approvals or unanimous actions were presented.
Public Comments & Testimony
- No members of the public submitted questions or comments during the hearing.
Discussion Items
- Incident Overview: The incident began at 7:34:32 AM on January 6, 2026, when 911 received a text from the victim (AD) stating, "help, he's has gun, threatening me, hurry." Dispatch attempted a callback, lasting approximately five minutes, during which the dispatcher spoke with the male decedent (Justin Walsh) and later the victim, who repeatedly asked to leave without receiving guidance. Officers were not informed of any mental health issues or substance use.
- Officer Response: Officers located the correct apartment (A460 at 9265 West Russell Road) after a search that included a wrong building. Roles were assigned: Officer Taylor (lethal cover, handgun), Officer Reyes (less lethal, 40mm beanbag), Officer De La Torre (less lethal, taser), and another officer (hands-on). When they approached the door, Sergeant LeGrand began positioning officers, but the door opened within three to four seconds.
- Use of Force: As the door opened, AD crawled out on her hands and knees. Officer Taylor saw decedent pointing a handgun at AD's head. He fired four rounds, fearing decedent would kill AD. Body camera footage showed the gun initially pointed at AD's head, then raised toward officers. Officer Taylor testified he fired in fear for the victim, not for himself.
- Evidence: The decedent's handgun (Springfield XD, .40 caliber, no round in chamber, six rounds in magazine) was struck by one of Officer Taylor's rounds but remained functional. Toxicology showed decedent had alcohol, prescribed pain medication, and anxiety/depression medication. The victim reported decedent had bipolar disorder, was taking medication, and had been drinking. Strangulation marks were found on AD's neck. The decedent had earlier given AD bullets and asked her to kill him.
- Statements: Officer Taylor's walkthrough confirmed his actions. Detective testimony established that officers had limited information (only apartment number and ping to the building), that they did not know about decedent's mental health or intoxication, and that the decision to use lethal force was influenced by the presence of a firearm pointed at a person.
Key Outcomes
- The Clark County District Attorney's Office had already made a preliminary determination that no criminal prosecution was appropriate. This review did not render a formal determination regarding the cause of death.
- The hearing concluded without any public questions. A video recording of the entire proceeding is available on the Clark County website (www.clarkcountynv.gov) for those who missed portions or wish to obtain a transcript.
- No changes to policy or further action were announced as a result of this review.
Meeting Transcript
Concerning the death of Justin Walsh on January 6, 2026. My name is Ozzie Fumo and I will be presiding over today's proceeding. This review is being held because the Clark County District Attorney's Office has made a preliminary determination that no criminal prosecution of the officers involved in the death of Justin Walsh is appropriate. Clark County Ordinance Chapter 2.12 requires a public review following such a determination. This is not a trial. The purpose of today's proceeding is to present the public with essential facts surrounding the death of Mr. Walsh. Chief Deputy District Attorney Giancarlo Pesci will present today's fact-finding review on behalf of the district attorney's office. He will determine determine the witness or witnesses to be called. The ordinance does not provide subpoena power on my behalf, nor does it allow for any other party to call witnesses. Willard Ewing has been appointed to the to be the ombudsman. He represents both the public and the Walsh family. He will have the opportunity to ask questions of the witness or witnesses. The procedure for questioning witnesses shall be informal with a view to providing the public with relevant information regarding the use of force. The rules of evidence shall not be strictly enforced. Members of the public observing this review may submit proposed written questions on forms located in the back of this room and present it to one of the officers. I will ask the questions unless I determine whether it is irrelevant, redundant, or an abuse of the review process. At the conclusion of this review, no formal determination regarding the matter or cause of death shall be rendered. Do either parties have anything to add? No, thank you. Mr. Feshi, please feel free to call your first witness. Thank you very much. Detective, could you please give us your name? Yes, it's Brittany Tomaso. And what do you do for a living? I'm employed with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Is there a particular detail that you work in right now? Yes, I'm currently assigned to the force investigations team. What does that team do? We primarily investigate the criminal investigation into officer involved shootings in custody deaths any time an officer uses deadly force and any time an officer is the victim of a violent felony while working. Were you working in that capacity on January 6th, 2026? Yes, I was. Yes. Um this occurred in the 9200 block of West Russell Road on January 6, 2026. This is an overview map as to where the officer-involved shooting occurred, showing that it occurred at Russell and Fort Apache. And this is a closer view of that map. Detective, could I interrupt for just one second? I apologize. On this map it says OIS. What does that stand for? That stands for officer involved shooting. Thank you. The subject officer on this officer involved shooting was Officer Tristan Taylor. He was hired January 30th of 2024, and he was 28 years old at the time. He was assigned to Summerlin Area Command Patrol. His body worn camera or BWC was activated. He provided a walkthrough and did not provide a statement to fit. And I apologize. What does FIT stand for?
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