Las Vegas police say nine people have been arrested in connection with a gang-related killing that prosecutors link to an ongoing rap feud. The case tracks back to a July 9, 2025, shooting in a southwest Las Vegas garage that left 22-year-old Michael Simmons Jr. dead after suspects poured gunfire into the structure. Investigators say the shooters were aiming for a rival but instead killed Simmons. One of the suspects, Jamar Holman, has already appeared in court, where a judge denied him bail at his initial hearing.
Prosecutors have now charged at least one of the nine with open murder, conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder and multiple counts tied to firing into an occupied structure with the intent to promote or assist a criminal gang, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. A second superseding indictment names multiple co-defendants, and several people have been booked into the Clark County detention system. Prosecutors say the recent arrests cap an investigation that has been running since the shooting last summer.
Investigators say five people got out of a vehicle, walked into the garage and unleashed more than 40 rounds into the space, where Simmons, alleged target Ishad Livingston and others were gathered. Police describe the attack as gang-related and tied to a rap-scene feud that escalated into retaliatory violence. Authorities say the vehicle sped out of the neighborhood immediately after the barrage, and detectives spent the following months building the case through witness interviews and court filings.
Victim Identified And The Scene
The man killed in the shooting was identified as 22-year-old Michael Simmons Jr., and the Clark County coroner ruled his death a homicide caused by multiple gunshot wounds, according to reporting by the Las Vegas Review-Journal. The attack took place in the 6000 block of Coja Street, near West Patrick Lane and South Cimarron Road, inside a gated community in the southwest valley. In the days that followed, friends and family gathered at a memorial and organized a fundraiser in Simmons’ name.
Court records show the second superseding indictment lists Kenjuan McDaniel and Darion Headd as co-defendants. Prosecutors told investigators that both men are serving separate sentences at High Desert State Prison while they face these new charges. Other named defendants include Rashid Soukesian, Eduardo Baez, Artavious Woods, Calvin Hicks, Rickey Allen and Johntyrae Mitchell. Several of them have entered not-guilty pleas, according to court documents. Metro detectives say the investigation remains active as prosecutors prepare the case for additional hearings.
Legal Implications
The charges in the case range from open murder and attempted murder to conspiracy and specific counts alleging gunfire into an occupied structure to promote gang activity, allegations that can bring enhanced penalties under Nevada law if proven. With several defendants pleading not guilty, the case is expected to move into discovery and pretrial motions, and convictions on the most serious counts could lead to lengthy prison terms along with potential gang enhancements. Defense attorneys have so far not offered extended public comment on the allegations.
Court dates for some defendants are expected in the coming weeks as prosecutors formalize indictments and defense lawyers review the evidence. Metro’s Homicide Section is asking anyone with information to call 702-828-3521 or email [email protected].
