Reward offered in man’s killing

Bob Shemeligian

Friday, July 19, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

The family of slain 77-year-old John Ahart of Las Vegas has posted a $10,000 reward for information leading to a conviction of his killer or killers.

Meanwhile, Metro Police Sgt. Bill Keeton said there has as yet been no sign of Ahart's maroon 1990 M30 Infiniti bearing Nevada license 790 CKK.

The body of the retired carpenter and general contractor was found last Thursday inside his locked trailer at Three Crowns Mobile Home Park on North Lamb Boulevard, where he had lived for 17 years.

The victim's car was missing, but nothing else was taken, according to family members.

"We're still looking for the car," Keeton said. "We've entered the description and plates into a national computer and we've dispersed photos of the car to all our substations."

Ahart, who died from a fractured skull, was apparently bludgeoned to death, according to police.

"We've found nothing at the scene that looked like it was used to commit this crime," Keeton said.

Ahart was well known among attorneys, judges and journalists who work at the Clark County Courthouse because he was among a group of retired residents who spent much of their time attending trials.

Family members are at a loss to explain how such a crime could be perpetrated.

"That's all we think about," one family member said. "Why would someone do this to this man? He lived for his family. He played golf. He attended trials. He walked for exercise in the morning. He didn't bother anybody."

Ahart testified in a carjacking case six years ago, and Keeton said a suspect was convicted and sent to prison in Nevada in that case, and was released 14 months ago and is living in Las Vegas.

"We're leaving him alone for awhile as we continue our investigation," said Keeton, who added that if the slaying was done in revenge "it would be about the longest grudge ever."

Police ask anyone with information to call homicide at 229-3521 or Secret Witness at 385-5555.