Coroner’s inquest begins in fatal shooting by officer

Jen Lawson

Friday, Feb. 20, 2004 | 11:54 a.m.

A Clark County coroner's inquest was meeting today to determine if a Metro Police officer was justified in shooting a man who was armed and had allegedly robbed a house last month.

The three victims of the home invasion robbery -- Ute Brunk-Mugno, her husband, Vincenzo Mugno, and the couple's daughter, Natalie Mugno -- were to testify this morning.

Four Metro officers who were also at the scene of the crime, a medical examiner from the coroner's office and two other men who are also suspects in the robbery were also expected to testify.

The case stems from Officer John Evans shooting and killing Kevin Williams, 24, on Jan. 21, after Williams allegedly pointed a gun at the officer during a foot chase in the 1200 block of Silver Prospect Drive, near Washington Avenue and Rainbow Boulevard.

Shortly before the shooting, Williams and two other men allegedly committed the home invasion robbery at a house in the 4100 block of North Durango Drive near Craig Road.

They allegedly tied up three people in the house and stole appliances, jewelry and other property, police said. The victims called police after the robbers left and described them and their car.

Police spotted a red four-door car that fit the description in the area of Washington Avenue and Rainbow Boulevard, about seven miles from the robbery, and began chasing it.

In the 1200 block of Silver Prospect Drive, the car stopped and one of the passengers surrendered immediately. Police chased and caught the driver.

But the third suspect, Williams, fled from police and allegedly pointed a handgun at the officers as he ran, police said.

Evans fired at Williams, hitting him. Williams kept running for a short distance before collapsing in a back yard.

A gun was found near his body, police said.

Evans, 29, an officer with the northwest area command, has been on paid leave since the shooting.