Las Vegas police have confirmed a connection between two murders, one on the Strip and another in a remote desert area. According to an investigative report by FOX5 Vegas, Dandre Owens is accused of using the same weapon to commit both crimes.
Owens, who was arrested following the killing of Brittani Bailey inside the MGM Grand, has also been linked to the murder of Edward Kukish. Kukish's body was found dismembered in the desert. Although the two murders were discovered months apart, it took over a year to solve the case in the desert. In contrast, an arrest was made within days of the murder on the Strip, according to information released.
A remote area near Lake Mead Boulevard and Pabco Road, previously known for the discovery of decomposed animals, was also the location where authorities believe Owens lured Kukish with a fake job offer to clean up trash. Edward Kukish was unaware when he responded to the job advertisement, as he expressed in his reply, "Hi name is Eddie a very hard worker. Interested in job postings," as per FOX5 Vegas. After six months, his remains were found by a worker, with the lower half of his body missing. An autopsy later confirmed that he had suffered two gunshot wounds to the head.
The breakthrough in the investigation arrived when Metro's crime lab matched 9mm cartridge cases from the desert scene with a gun in evidence for Bailey's murder. 8 News Now disclosed additional horrifying details, noting that Owens had been re-booked on charges of open murder and kidnapping. Owens reportedly arranged the desert meeting with Kukish through text messages, leading the victim to the location under the pretense of a job opportunity.
Owens is now awaiting trial, scheduled for September 29, and is set to appear in Justice Court on March 3. He faces 11 felony charges. Despite FOX5 Vegas efforts, the outlet has yet to receive a response from Clark County, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), or Metro PD regarding heightened surveillance.
