Local briefs for July 29, 1999

Thursday, July 29, 1999 | 10:43 a.m.

Prison inmate commits suicide

An inmate was found dead in his cell at the Southern Nevada Desert Correctional Facility in Indian Springs Wednesday afternoon.

At 3:15 p.m. a guard discovered the inmate had hung himself in his cell. The inmate had been in the prison for less than a week after he received a sentence of life with the possibility of parole, prison officials said.

There were no signs of foul play and the inmate had shown no signs of being depressed, officials said.

The inmate had been convicted of attempted murder and was awaiting sentencing for convictions on kidnapping and aggravated stalking. The inmate's name and other details surrounding his death will not be released until family members can be notified.

Victim's family doubles reward

One year after the shooting death of a 16-year-old, the boy's family has doubled a reward for the capture of the man charged in his killing.

The family of Joey Cornell, who was killed in a hail of gunfire that wounded two other teenagers July 16, 1998, is now offering $10,000 for the capture and arrest of Gonzalo Hernandez Villalobos.

One week after Cornell's death Judge Kelly Swanson issued an arrest warrant for Villalobos, charging him with murder and two counts of attempted murder. Witnesses told investigators Villalobos trailed the three boys in a car before shooting them. Police believe the shooting was related to an ongoing feud between the victim's and Villalobos' families.

Police believe Villalobos may have returned to his native El Salvador, but he has family in Las Vegas and police hope that he may try to come back.

Villalobos is 38 years old. Police say he is 5-feet-6 inches tall, weighs 180 pounds and has black hair and brown eyes.

Anyone who provides information about Villalobos' whereabouts may be eligible for the $10,000 reward plus a $1,000 reward from the Secret Witness program. Those with information can call Secret Witness at 385-5555.

Pedestrian struck by car dies

A pedestrian was killed Wednesday night when he was hit by a car on Boulder Highway.

The man, who has not been identified until his family can be notified, was trying to cross the highway outside a crosswalk south of Mayorga Street near Twain when he was struck by a car, police said. The man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Metro is still investigating the accident.

Man killed outside bar identified

An 18-year-old man killed in a parking lot shootout Tuesday has been identified as Gregory O. Johnson of Las Vegas.

Police found Johnson suffering from a stomach wound inside the Seven Seas restaurant and lounge at 808 W. Lake Mead Blvd. just before midnight Tuesday. He later died at University Medical Center.

Police believe Johnson was wounded during in an exchange of gunfire that took place in the parking lot. A 15-year-old boy police also think was a victim of the shooting arrived at UMC with arm and leg wounds Tuesday night.

Police have been unable to sort out whether Johnson and the teen were directly involved in the shootings or just innocent bystanders. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Secret Witness at 385-5555.

Moped driver killed in crash

A Las Vegas man was killed Wednesday afternoon when he lost control of his moped and slid under a cement truck.

About 3:45 p.m. a cement truck driven by David Leininger, 43, was making a right turn onto Wilson Avenue from F Street, Metro Police said.

The moped, driven by a 30-year-old man, was following behind the cement truck. Evidence at the scene indicates that the moped was also turning right onto Wilson, police said.

While turning, the moped attempted to pass the truck on the right. The operator lost control and slid under the truck's wheels, police said. The moped driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

It was the 58th fatal accident in Metro's jurisdiction this year.

Widow to face charges in Oklahoma

A woman who was arrested in Las Vegas Monday in connection with the death of her husband 19 years ago has waived extradition and will return to Oklahoma to face murder charges.

Authorities said Patsy Barbour Woofter, 61, was released from the medical ward of the Clark County Detention Center Wednesday in lieu of $100,000 bail.

Woofter, widow of a wealthy Tulsa businessman, was arrested by Tulsa Police detectives and the Criminal Apprehension Teams at her Las Vegas residence after being charged with first-degree murder in the 1980 death of Andrew "Mac" Barbour Jr.

Barbour was shot to death Feb. 12, 1980, while sleeping in his Tulsa condominium. Woofter, then known as Patsy Barbour, told police she heard a noise and fled the condominium to notify security.

Woofter moved to Las Vegas and remarried, although that marriage was later annulled, according to the Associated Press.

Red Flag exercise begins at Nellis

Red Flag 99-4, an exercise designed to better prepare U.S., allied and coalition forces for combat, begins Saturday at Nellis Air Force Base.

The exercise will continue through Aug. 31, Nellis officials said.

The Red Flag mission provides a simulated combat training environment to improve the military capabilities and readiness of participating units.

Villalobos