Three arrested in shooting

Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2000 | 9:57 a.m.

Metro Police homicide detectives have made three arrests in connection with the shooting death of a 58-year-old man in the parking lot of a North Rancho Drive bar Monday morning.

Shortly before 11:30 a.m. police found the victim suffering from gunshot wounds in the parking lot of Ernie's bar, 1905 N. Rancho Drive.

The victim was still conscious when police arrived at the bar. Before the victim died, he told police that a 23-year-old woman was responsible for the shooting, Sgt. Kevin Manning said.

Detectives believe that the woman and the victim were involved in a deal for the sale of a 1994 Mustang, Manning said.

Kesha Smith was found by police and booked into the Clark County Detention Center on charges of murder and robbery, both with a deadly weapon, Manning said.

Two other people who police believe were involved in the killing also have been arrested, Manning said.

Taras B. Stewart, 16, and Fredrick J. Benson, 21, were arrested Monday afternoon in a West Lake Mead Boulevard apartment and charged with murder and robbery, both with a deadly weapon.

There have been 21 homicides in Metro's jurisdiction this year compared with 11 in the same time period last year.

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