California police kill suspect in LV slaying
A 29-year-old man wanted in connection with the slaying of a Las Vegas man Saturday was shot and killed by law enforcement agents in California after he pointed an assault rifle at them.
Las Vegas police had been hunting Kenneth Christian Spitznogle-Daley since Saturday, when they say he robbed and fatally shot Fred Gates, 59, at his home in the 2400 block of Anglia Street, near Sahara Avenue and Nellis Boulevard.
Gates was found by his wife Saturday evening, shot in the back of the head.
On Tuesday, the Criminal Apprehension Team learned that Spitznogle-Daley had fled Las Vegas and was hiding in the Orange County, Calif., community of Santa Ana.
Investigators coordinated with an area fugitive task force, and surveillance was set up at a Santa Ana residence. Law enforcement agents soon saw Spitznogle-Daley leave in a vehicle with two others.
Agents stopped the vehicle, and Spitznogle-Daley got out and pointed an assault rifle at them, Las Vegas police said. Agents fired at Spitznogle-Daley, killing him at the scene.
Neighbors said Gates had advertised that he was selling some guns, and Spitznogle-Daley had made an appointment to view them Saturday night. Gates’ wife arrived home about 15 minutes after the suspect was seen leaving the house, neighbors said.
The victim’s wife attempted to perform CPR, but Gates died before paramedics could take him to a hospital.
Spitznogle-Daley stole guns and jewelry from the locked safe where they were stored, family friends said, adding that he probably got away with less than $10,000 worth of goods.
Gates, who worked as a limousine driver, shot guns as a hobby. The home had a large peace sign painted on the garage door.
