Police: Teen killed before officers entered southwest Las Vegas home

Police said a 14‑year‑old girl was fatally shot before officers entered a southwest Las Vegas residence, where a subsequent shootout left two people dead and two wounded. Family and friends identified the victim as Aven Drummond, a sophomore‑bound volleyball player who was expected to begin her new school year just days after her death. Metropolitan Police Department Assistant Sheriff Fred Haas stated that a female called 911 to report she had been shot after her boyfriend, later identified as Jason Simmons, chased her with a blowtorch. When officers arrived at the home adjacent South Buffalo Drive and Peace Way early Monday morning, they found a “female unfortunate suffering from an evident gunshot wound” in a front bedroom, Haas said. A department spokesperson confirmed the wounded female was the teenage victim. Nichole Drummond, the girl’s mother and the original 911 caller, was discovered hiding in a bathroom. Simmons had retreated to another bedroom and, as Officer Zaira Venegas‑Hernandez attempted to gain entry, he fired multiple rounds through the door. A bullet penetrated two 12 layers of Venegas‑Hernandez’s ballistic vest, inflicting a thoracic injury. Both Venegas‑Hernandez and Nichole Drummond, who later exited the residence with pain injuries and a gunshot wound, were transported to a hospital. As Nichole Drummond left the scene, she told police that Simmons had shot himself. Officers, including SWAT, re‑entered the home and attempted to render medical aid to Aven Drummond. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Simmons, whom police said suffered a gunshot wound to the head, also died there. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, help is available 24/7 by calling or texting the Lifeline at 988. Live chat is accessible at 988lifeline.org. The Crisis Text Line offers free, nationwide support; text HOME to 741741.