Fatal home-invasion robbery shakes neighbors

Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2003 | 9:42 a.m.

Neighbors of Ronald Marshall are shocked and frightened after the North Las Vegas man was beaten and shot to death during a home-invasion robbery Sunday morning.

Otis Thompson and his family have lived in their home on Matheson Street since 1965. Thompson said he knew Marshall and always greeted him when they saw each other outside.

"He was a man of few words," Thompson said Monday night.

The area near Carey Avenue and Revere Street has been known as a relatively quiet one, so neighbors were jarred by the news of the home invasion, which occurred at about 6 a.m. Sunday, police said.

"We've (always) had a pretty clean neighborhood," Thompson said.

Another neighbor said the killing has spread fear throughout the area.

"We can't find any reason for it," Arey Dabney said.

The Dabneys and their three children have been living on Matheson Street for 14 years.

"All of it doesn't make any sense," Dabney said. "I don't even know if I should let the kids out. It's been really hard."

Like Thompson, Dabney said she waved to Marshall whenever he came or went.

"He seemed like a nice person," she said. "We're sorry for what happened to him."

North Las Vegas Police are still seeking suspects in the fatal shooting, the first homicide in North Las Vegas this year. Officers continued their investigation at Marshall's home Monday.

North Las Vegas Police Lt. Art Redcay said there have been 10 home invasions since July 1, three of which included homicides.

The other home invasions that led to deaths happened in July and September, he said, and six of the 10 invasions took place in November or December.

Redcay said police believe one group is responsible for some of the home invasions, but he did not know how many of the 10 crimes were linked.

To protect your home against criminals, Redcay suggested people lock their doors, even when home during the day. Also, people should identify a room with a telephone that they can lock themselves into in case of an emergency.

"And know your neighbors and report suspicious activity," Redcay said. "If you're a target, they might stake out your property."