Ralph Edward Montoto, 58, died in the early hours of May 9, 2017, after a violent struggle inside the east Las Vegas apartment he shared with two other men. The fight began about 1:30 a.m. at a complex on North Sloan Lane near East Bonanza Road. Montoto was pronounced dead at the scene and later identified by the Clark County coroner.

Detectives say the altercation started when Montoto armed himself with a knife and lunged at one roommate, cutting him above the eye. The wounded roommate wrested the knife away and stabbed Montoto during the struggle. Metro’s homicide lieutenant described the circumstances as appearing to indicate self-defense, and the surviving roommate told police he acted to protect himself. No arrest was announced that day; investigators said the case would remain open while evidence was gathered to determine whether self-defense applied or charges were warranted.

If anyone was in that apartment complex or has information about the events that night, please share what you know.