On December 9, 2017, 22-year-old Hispanic man Derian Contreras was fatally shot during a planned drug robbery in northwest Las Vegas. The shooting happened about 3:20 p.m. in the garage of a residence on the 4100 block of Overbrook Drive, near Rainbow Boulevard and Alexander Road. Contreras and another man, identified as the dealer, were both shot multiple times; Contreras later died at University Medical Center and the dealer was listed in critical condition.

Police say the robbery was orchestrated by 19-year-old Elijah A. Watson and juvenile Arick Marquiese Turner. Watson reportedly drove Turner to the house so Turner could pose as a buyer; a struggle began when Turner reached for a pocket containing cash and a handgun and Turner then shot both men. Watson and Turner were arrested; charges reported against Watson included first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder and attempted robbery, while Turner faced similar counts plus carrying a concealed weapon without a permit. Evidence at the scene included Turner’s wallet with Nevada and Centennial High School IDs, and both suspects later admitted involvement during police interviews.

Friends and family remembered Contreras as intelligent, helpful and devoted to his family. His death was recorded as the 237th homicide in Clark County for 2017. If anyone knew Derian or has information about the shooting, please come forward.