News briefs for October 16, 2001

Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2001 | 9:06 a.m.

Discrimination claimed in suit

A former assistant principal sued the Clark County School District Monday, claiming violation of due process and discrimination based on race.

The School District discharged Clyde Baker Jr. from his position in June 2000 without giving 30 days' notice or a hearing, violating state laws, the lawsuit states.

Baker, who is black, also claims that he was treated differently than his white co-workers.

Baker is asking for a reinstatement with full backpay, benefits and interest, as well as for compensatory damages.

New trial avoided in shooting death

A Las Vegas man whose murder conviction was overturned in February has taken a deal.

Richard Johnson, 45, entered the equivalent of a no-contest plea Monday to second-degree murder in the April 1995 death of George Hightower.

As a result of the plea agreement, Johnson faces a five-year to life prison term when District Judge John McGroarty sentences him in December.

Johnson won a new trial in February when the Nevada Supreme Court ruled that his defense attorney should not have been allowed to engage in an insanity defense over Johnson's objections.

Johnson was convicted of shooting Hightower at Caesars Palace. He had wanted to argue that he shot Hightower in self-defense because he believed that Hightower was a member of a Voodoo gang.

Special Public Defender Phil Kohn, however, believed that Johnson was insane and presented that theory at the trial.

The Supreme Court said Kohn should not have overridden his client's wishes.

VA awards housing grant

The Department of Veterans Affairs has awarded more than $500,000 for housing and transportation for homeless veterans in Southern Nevada.

The money includes $35,000 for the purchase of two vans, which will be used to help homeless veterans with transportation needs, and $500,000 for building a shelter with 57 beds and facilities for substance abuse treatment.

Nevada is one of 24 states to receive funding from the Department of Veterans Affairs this year. The new shelter will be built at 2800 E. Bonanza Road.