News briefs for July 31, 2002

Wednesday, July 31, 2002 | 10:49 a.m.

Man shot to death is identified

A 23-year-old man shot 10 times at an apartment complex Tuesday morning was identified as Joseph S. Maxey of Las Vegas.

Maxey and another man were standing between two apartment buildings in the 3500 block of East Lake Mead Boulevard near Pecos Road when at least two other people approached and started shooting, Metro Police said.

Maxey was taken to University Medical Center where he died at 1:50 a.m. Tuesday. The other man was hit in the arm and thigh and was expected to survive his wounds.

No one reported seeing the shooting and there is no description of the suspects or how the suspects escaped from the area, police said.

Anyone with information in this case is asked to call Metro's homicide unit at 229-3521 or Secret Witness at 385-5555.

FBI probes slaying on Paiute land

The FBI is investigating a dispute between two men on the Paiute reservation near downtown Las Vegas that ended with a slaying Friday night.

David J. Flores, 22, was shot to death Friday about 11 p.m. on Sackett Street near Paiute Drive on the reservation. FBI agents were called since the bureau handles serious crimes on reservations, officials said.

FBI agents arrested John Wesley Whittington, 43, on one count of an ex-felon in possession of a firearm. The investigation into the slaying is continuing, FBI officials said.

Flores and Whittington apparently had an ongoing dispute at the time of the shooting. Agents are trying to determine if Flores was trying to break into the home where Whittington was staying at the time of the shooting, official said.

Whittington told agents he shot Flores and the handgun was his. Agents determined that Whittington had a felony drug conviction in California in 1985 and charged him with the firearm charge, according a federal complaint.

Pezzillo to direct city agency

The city of Las Vegas has hired Niel Pezzillo as the director of administrative services.

Pezzillo, who works for Park Place Entertainment, fills the position vacated by Marvin Leavitt, who retired after 29 years with the city.

The administrative services office coordinates the city's lobbying efforts and is responsible for citywide strategic planning and initiatives, organizational development and other special projects.

Pezzillo, who begins Thursday, will earn $82,000 annually.

New coroner to be appointed

A longtime Southern Nevada law enforcement officer may fill the shoes of Clark County Coroner Ron Flud when Flud retires in September 2003.

County Manager Thom Reilly is recommending Michael Murphy, currently deputy chief of the Las Vegas Department of Detention and Enforcement, to serve as assistant coroner with Flud until his retirement, when Murphy would take over the position. The County Commission will consider the appointment Tuesday.

Murphy served as police chief for the city of Mesquite and worked for the Boulder City and Kansas City police departments before working for the city of Las Vegas.

"I believe that Michael is the most qualified applicant for this critical position," Reilly said. "He has extensive knowledge and experience in investigating deaths, both accidental and criminal."

If appointed, Murphy is expected to join the county on Aug. 26.