Sniper suspect held without bail

Friday, Jan. 10, 2003 | 9:52 a.m.

The 31-year-old man who allegedly fired a rifle into the street outside his apartment, killing one man and seriously wounding another, told a judge Thursday he understands the charges against him.

Justice of the Peace Doug Smith set no bail for Ricky Horne, who is charged with murder and two counts of attempted murder. Additional lesser charges are expected to be added later in connection with the Jan. 7 early morning shooting spree at Fremont and 15th streets.

After allegedly firing shots at strangers and police, Horne was arrested Jan. 7 after a three-hour standoff with police at the South Cove Apartments, 1525 E. Fremont St., authorities said.

Killed was Bryan Ricks, 42, reportedly a homeless man. Carl Capers, 31, a resident of the apartment complex across the street from South Cove, remained in serious condition at University Medical Center this morning, officials said.

One Metro Police officer suffered a hand injury from bullet fragments or debris.

Horne, who had moved to Las Vegas from Pittsburgh about four months ago, allegedly told police that he had been up all night drinking and taking Ecstasy and was upset because he had not been able to find a job.

Horne is being held at the Clark County Detention Center and his preliminary hearing is scheduled for Jan. 28 in Las Vegas Justice Court.

Horne's mother, a Las Vegas resident for about five years, apologized to the community Thursday afternoon for her son's actions.

"God knows we're so sorry -- I know my son is so sorry," Horne's mother, Shela Yates, 46, told KLAS Channel 8 Thursday night. "He did not do this intentionally."

"I beg you to please forgive him, Las Vegas. The people who have suffered loss, please forgive him."

"I think he (Horne) was depressed because he had a really good job in Pittsburgh," Yates said. "He was a matter of weeks away from not having to be in a halfway house."

There were outstanding warrants for Horne's arrest in Pennsylvania, police said.

"He needs the help that can be given," Yates said. "He has emotional and mental problems. He needs help."