Youth in 311 Boyz tape found dead at home

Jen Lawson

Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2003 | 11:12 a.m.

An 18-year-old boy seen participating last summer in consensual fights on a 311 Boyz videotape apparently committed suicide on Saturday, authorities said.

Justin Swisher was found dead in his northwest Las Vegas home about 5 p.m. Saturday, according to Metro Police records.

Swisher reportedly was involved in a fight at a gas station before he committed suicide, but Lt. Cindy Galindo of Metro's gang unit declined to confirm that, saying only that detectives were looking into whether "there is any gang connection in this young man's life."

Terry Murphy, spokeswoman for the Swishers, said the family is grieving and declined to comment.

Swisher is the son of Stephen L. Swisher, principal in the architectural firm Swisher & Hall, an award-winning regional designer specializing in facility and campus master planning. He also is a member of the City Centre Development Corporation Board for Las Vegas.

Swisher was not charged in connection with any of the 311 Boyz' alleged activities, but nine other teens were.

Prosecutors have used videotapes of fights involving the 311 Boyz to argue against bail for the nine. The tapes show dozens of teens fighting in northwest neighborhoods.

The tape in which Swisher appears shows him shaking hands with another young man in an apparent agreement to fight. The tape shows Swisher being knocked down a second or two after the fight begins and then the other young man punching him numerous times in the face while he is on the ground, then kicking him in the back before being pulled away from the obviously injured teen.

Swisher had tattoos of an iron cross, allegedly the 311 Boyz symbol, on his shoulder blades.

Swisher was a senior at Centennial High School before dropping out earlier this year.