Tragedy Strikes Las Vegas Family: Father Arrested in Deadly Shooting of Son, Injuring Wife

A harrowing early morning domestic dispute in a south Las Vegas Valley home culminated in a tragic shooting that left one man dead and another injured. Authorities have arrested 44-year-old Jesus Roberto Valenzuela-Balderas, accusing him of the murder of his 23-year-old son, Roberto Valenzuela Jr., and the attempted murder of his wife, Veronica Lopez-Balderas, following an exchange of gunfire.

The devastating incident unfolded around 1:20 a.m.

on Sunday in the 7800 block of South Las Vegas Boulevard, near East Robindale Road. According to police reports, the events began with an escalating argument between Jesus Valenzuela-Balderas and his wife, Veronica Lopez-Balderas. As tensions flared, Jesus reportedly armed himself with a handgun.

The situation took a fatal turn when their son, Roberto Valenzuela Jr., attempted to intervene in the heated altercation.

Police allege that Jesus Valenzuela-Balderas then opened fire, shooting both his wife and son. Veronica Lopez-Balderas, though injured, managed to return fire, striking her husband.

Responding officers from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department were dispatched to the scene after Veronica Lopez-Balderas made a frantic 911 call, reporting that her husband had shot their son and was still inside their residence.

Upon arrival, police encountered Jesus Valenzuela-Balderas outside the home, attempting to flee in a truck. He was quickly apprehended and detained, found to have sustained a gunshot wound to his leg.

Inside the residence, a grim discovery awaited officers: Roberto Valenzuela Jr. was found deceased, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

Veronica Lopez-Balderas was also found with injuries to her arm and hand, consistent with gunshot wounds. She was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The initial investigation painted a clear picture for detectives, indicating that Jesus Valenzuela-Balderas was the aggressor in the deadly confrontation.

However, during his interview with police, Jesus offered a conflicting account, claiming he acted in self-defense. He alleged that his son attacked him with a metal pole and that his wife shot him first, assertions that police found to be inconsistent with the evidence and Veronica's testimony.

Jesus Roberto Valenzuela-Balderas now faces grave charges, including open murder, attempted murder, and child abuse/neglect with a deadly weapon.

He is currently being held without bail at the Clark County Detention Center, awaiting further legal proceedings. This heartbreaking case underscores the profound and destructive impact of domestic violence, leaving a family shattered by an unbearable loss.