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Son of Former Nevada Senator Killed in Las Vegas Casino Shooting; Teen Suspect Arrested After Carjacking Spree and High-Speed Chase
A fatal shooting at a Las Vegas-area casino claimed the life of the son of a former Nevada State senator, prompting a chaotic sequence of events involving alleged carjackings and a police pursuit through Las Vegas streets. The incident unfolded early Thursday at Aliante Casino & Hotel in North Las Vegas, approximately 18 miles from the Las Vegas Strip, culminating in the arrest of a teenage suspect.
Casino Shooting and Victim Identification
Na’Onche Osborne, 23, son of Pat Spearman, a former Democratic State Senator, was killed inside a parking garage at the Aliante Casino & Hotel. The Clark County Coroner’s Office confirmed on Saturday that Osborne’s death resulted from multiple gunshot wounds, according to local news reports.
Spearman’s family released a statement expressing their profound grief: “It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Senator Spearman’s beloved son. This tragedy represents an immeasurable loss for the Senator and our family, leaving us heartbroken.”
Suspect’s Flight and Carjacking Incidents
Aerion Warmsley, 19, identified as the suspected shooter, reportedly fled the casino resort after the incident. His vehicle crashed near the intersection of Interstate 15 and Spring Mountain Road, in proximity to the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas.
Following the crash, Warmsley allegedly carjacked three vehicles and initiated a police chase across the city. Authorities reported that speeds reached up to 105 mph during the pursuit.
Chase and Collisions Cause Injuries
The high-speed chase resulted in further incidents. Warmsley’s vehicle collided with a bus stop, causing critical injuries to a mother of four. Reports also indicate that at least one other pedestrian was struck during the chaotic collisions.
Arrest and Charges
Police apprehended Warmsley, who now faces charges including felony murder with a deadly weapon and robbery, according to court documents. He is currently detained at the North Las Vegas Community Correction Center, as per jail records.
Motive Unclear and Community Impact
Law enforcement officials have not yet disclosed a motive for the deadly casino shooting. The incident occurred hours before North Las Vegas Mayor Pamela Goynes-Brown delivered her annual State of the City address at the Aliante Casino.
Senator Spearman’s History and Previous Family Incident
Pat Spearman, the victim’s mother, previously served as a Nevada State Senator but was defeated by Pamela Goynes-Brown in the 2022 mayoral election.
In 2022, Spearman spoke about adopting Osborne as a teenager, aiming to provide him with a better life due to his exposure to violence in his early years. She acknowledged the challenges and the need for a supportive environment for his upbringing.
Past Legal Issues Involving Osborne
Prior to this incident, Osborne himself faced legal issues. In a separate event in 2022, he shot and wounded his cousin after a dispute at Spearman’s residence. Reports indicated the confrontation arose after Osborne allegedly blew marijuana smoke towards a child.
Osborne was subsequently charged with attempted murder and battery in connection with the shooting of his cousin. He later pleaded guilty to battery with a deadly weapon and carrying a concealed weapon, according to court records.
Spearman’s Reaction to Past Incident
Spearman described being “rattled to the core” by the previous shooting involving her son. During her mayoral campaign, she stated, “Na’Onche made a very poor decision and he’ll have to face the consequences. As a mother, I support the justice system and my son. It is with a heavy heart that my family is impacted by gun violence.”
Spearman’s Political Career
Spearman’s tenure in the Nevada State Senate began in 2012. She successfully won reelection twice, serving until her term limit in February. In her final term, which commenced on February 6, 2023, she held the position of president pro tempore of the legislative body. Spearman also ran unsuccessfully for a US Congress seat in 2020.
Military Service
Prior to her political career, Spearman served in the Military Police Corps of the US Army for 29 years, retiring in 2007 at the rank of lieutenant colonel.