Las Vegas detectives say a long-running homicide mystery has finally given up a name. Police have arrested 26-year-old Jamario Lofton on suspicion of murder in connection with an April 1, 2023, east valley shooting that left an 18-year-old mortally wounded after being dropped at a hospital. The case had gone cold for months before the arrest, and Lofton is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday afternoon.
According to 8 News Now, Lofton was booked on counts including open murder, attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Booking records cited by the outlet also note deadly weapon and criminal gang enhancements, along with a separate domestic battery allegation involving a pregnant victim. The station reported that Metro had not immediately issued a detailed public statement on the arrest.
Case background
As outlined by the LVMPD, officers were called to the 5900 block of Tamara Costa Court just after 2:20 a.m. on April 1, 2023, following reports of gunfire and found evidence of a shooting at the scene. Detectives said two vehicles, each carrying several people, exchanged gunfire before both cars sped away prior to officers arriving. A short time later, hospital staff alerted police that a black SUV had pulled up and left an 18-year-old with a gunshot wound at the entrance. The victim was identified as Curtis Smith, who died a few days later.
Video and evidence
Investigators later released surveillance video that shows several people getting out of a stolen 2018 black Kia and carrying the wounded man to the hospital doors before leaving. Coverage of that release by outlets including FOX5 and KTNV featured the footage along with the key detail detectives wanted the public to see, the stolen Kia’s Nevada plate number LVV0Y8.
Legal notes
Lofton was set for his first court appearance at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, with prosecutors reportedly pursuing gang and deadly weapon sentence enhancements that could increase penalties if he is convicted. Those details come from booking documents and reporting by 8 News Now. All of the charges remain allegations at this stage, and Lofton is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
How to help
LVMPD homicide detectives say the investigation is still active and are asking anyone with tips, footage or information about the April 1, 2023, shooting to contact the Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521 or email [email protected]. Anonymous tips can be sent to Crime Stoppers. When police first released the stolen vehicle footage, they stressed that even brief clips from doorbell or security cameras in the neighborhood can be the missing puzzle piece that helps close a cold case.
