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Sunday, May 3, 2009 | 8:48 p.m.
Landlord assault
Metro Police said a man severely beat his landlord Sunday in the eastern valley after being told he needed to leave the property so another tenant could move in.
Lt. Ted Snodgrass said officers responded at 4:22 p.m. to the home at 4790 E. Boston Ave., which is near Sahara Avenue and Nellis Boulevard. Police said the suspect had been living in the home for some time, but the landlord informed him he needed to leave because someone else was moving in.
The suspect then beat his landlord with an object, possibly a tool or a pipe, Snodgrass said.
The man who was supposed to move into the residence found the injured homeowner and called police.
The suspect, whose name wasn't being released Sunday night, was inside the home covered in blood when officers arrived, authorities said. He was arrested in connection with the assault.
Police said the victim wasn't registering a heartbeat when officers arrived. He was transported to the Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center trauma unit, where he remained Sunday night.
Police haven't been able to speak with the victim because of the extent of his injuries.
What's wrong with these people?
Product of evolution gone bad.
Someone shows up at your home and tells you to leave. What would you do do?
Until you have the rest of the story don't be so quick to judge.
lol, yes, i'd beat the living crap out of him to where he is almost dead.
yes, that what i would do, or any other decent person would do.
right, don't be so quick to judge. pathetic
I most definitely do not condone violence, however I agree with KillerB. How can one make a judgement until the entire story is told...
That's attempted murder. I hope the land lord pulls through.
davidwayne -- it could have been self-defense. In that case the tenant was completely justified.
The article does say "The suspect, whose name wasn't being released Sunday night, was inside the home covered in blood when officers arrived..." It does NOT say the blood wasn't his.
Get the rest of the story before your post more rants.
lets see, the guy dies from injuries, didn't call for help?
what defense is there? what "more to the story" is there? really? pathetic tools who care more about the guilty than the innocent.
what, you think he was trying to defend himself? yeah right, didn't even call the police after. and to beat the guy to death ? whatever.
LasVegas2009 -- obviously you are unclear on the concept of self-defense. If Nevada's Declaration of Rights doesn't clear that up for you, I suggest you study the appropriate Blackstone.
jaesun -- obviously you are unclear on the concept of justice. Unless you were there you're just making this up as you go along.
All citizens should be critical of what our police and prosecutors do. Unlike the two of you I'm not reading between the lines or forming a virtual lynch mob on this guy. Figure it out from there. I won't be explaining these basics here to the likes of you again.
What happened to: Innocent until proven guilty? None of us were in that home when this took place.
It also says in this article that the police haven't been able to speak to the "victim" yet. The man that was arrested in the home that the crime took place was still there (at the crime scene)... he didn't run... nor did he attack or prevent the new tenant from calling the police. Maybe he was attacked first, or a victim as well, to a 3rd party. There could be other scenerios..
This article also doesn't say that the accused confessed to anything, nor did it say the new tenant saw an altercation take place between the two men. So, is it not possible that the police just may have just surmised the situation at this time without proof?
oh right.
lets see, he is covered in blood, fine, dont know who.
but "The man who was supposed to move into the residence found the injured homeowner and called police."
lets see. so he is covered in blood, but OBVIOUSLY didn't call the police. self defense? right, because if it was self defense, he would have called the police/911 for 1. help for the guy, 2. it was self defense, so why would he just let the guy die?
oh wait, i forget in these times, it is ok to beat guys to a bloody pulp with an object. sure must have been a decent object to kill the guy.
get some common sense. any typical person who is defending themselves, don't beat the guy to death and sit there and does nothing. it is you who is unclear of justice.
it is sad when the first thought thought that comes to mind is to be negative of police and prosecuters rather than the victim himself.
Do you know how many people are wrongly convicted and sent to prison? Are these people not victims as well? It is people that think like you that are most likely to put innocent people in prison.
http://www.innocenceproject.org/about/
I am not saying this man didn't do it, however, I can't say with certainty that he did.. I believe more evidence is needed. I don't think it's wise to jump to conclusions before all the facts are in.
In the article is says "The suspect, whose name wasn't being released Sunday night, was inside the home covered in blood when officers arrived, authorities said. He was arrested in connection with the assault." They did not say what condition that the man arrested was in.
For you, this is enough to convict the man? Me? I want to hear the evidence.
The Landlord died as a result of being Beaten to Death! That is just insane! I agree with self-defense, but taking a pipe and beating a man to death over a stupid apartment that he did not OWN! Sick, twisted individual.
The landlord did not even have a weapon, he was killed in cold blood, by some savage that does not resemble a human being.
If he was "defending" himself, then why didn't he stop after he knocked the landlord out? Why keep beating him with a pipe? This man was not injured in anyway.
He had no right to kill anyone over a stupid apartment! I am so tired of killer scum trying to gain sympathy of any kind. This sick, deranged killer will probably use the INSANITY Plea, just to get away with murder.
I feel so sorry for the landlord! What a terrible way to die!
I really hope they lock this animal up forever! He will be happy in jail with all the other animals.
starrynite -- "The landlord did not even have a weapon, he was killed in cold blood ..." False (the investigation hasn't turned one up) and the rest is just speculation with your usual lynch mob mentality.
On a jury you would be a prosecutor's dream -- you've already leapfrogged over all the evidence and gone straight to a guilty verdict.
Translation: you are a good and valuable member of the Herd.
Killer: And as usual you are defending all the parasites of the universe. It does not matter how disgusting the crime, or how cruel the killer or child abuser is ..you defend them until the bitter end.
You are the kind of man that would defend a child molester until he was freed and went out to molest more children.
Your best friends must consist solely of pedaphiles, rapists, and killers.
You disgust me in so many ways...
I'd like to hear the rest of the story...something is missing. Neveretheless...
no need to beat the poor guy to near death.Attempted murder is attempted murder.
Babyboomer: The Landlord is dead. He died from the injuries this crazed lunatic inflicted upon him. Now what is missing is the life of the Landlord. The guy that beat him was probably on drugs and wasted out of his skull. He will just claim he was insane and then, "Poof" he will be free to roam the earth killing more innocent people as he goes about his day.
"You disgust me in so many ways..." -- coming from you, starry, that's the best compliment you could pay me.
i know this guy john van hook. he beat him up because he found out that his landlord was a fraud . was renting out apts. that were in default. he was a crook stealing from innocent people just trying to live. he was stealing his so called tenants mail . john found out that he had stolen from him. i would of done the same thing if someone was defrauding and stealing from me. so many people quick to judge. john helped get rid of the scum that was causing the moral fibers to fall apart of your already sin filled city
John vanhook was a victim as well.
bugisblue -- thanx for filling in some blanks in this story.
"Well, Killer: You and your gang of sickos must be very happy....."
Well, Starry: again you've made it evident you make everything up, apparently since you can't be bothered with facts or concepts like "justice" or "due process" (which includes the presumption of innocence). Nothing you said is true. Example: I've never even been arrested.
Go back to watching your daytime TV. Although putting up with your feeble attempts at defamation is one of the prices we pay for free speech, I won't be bothering with you again until you actually have something relevant to add to these Discussions.
bugisblue: If in fact Vanhook actually beat this man to death, then he is where he belongs.. in jail! Vanhook took the law into his own hands, how foolish..
If the landlord was stealing and misrepresenting property, then HE was breaking the law. Had Vanhook used proper judgement, he would have called the police and reported the theft and fraud.
Because of Vanhook's barbaric actions, 2 lives are gone, his and the victim's. Had he utilized the judicial system, instead of turning the landlord into the victim, he would not be behind bars.
This statement is just plain ignorant:
"john helped get rid of the scum that was causing the moral fibers to fall apart of your already sin filled city"
John was unable to use proper Judgement because of the rage that must of filled him. I'm not saying he should not be held accountable for his actions. John already has had mental health conditions in the past and he must of snapped when this happened. Trust me I'm sad for both party's. I know john comes from a very good family . all faithful god loving people. They are devastated by all of this. We should all learn from this.Especially the people out there stealing from innocent people trying to make a better life for themselves .
Linda in Vegas: how can you use proper judgement when your mental state might be diminished? This crime was committed out of rage. its sad to say that this victim in this crime had it coming to him. from what john's family says. john had always paid his rent. actually paid it 3 months in advance. and when asked to leave and finding out that this whole deal was a scam. He went nuts. I would of went nuts too. I bet a lot of people in that same neighbor hood will find out the truth very soon about their landlord because they are probably being scammed as well.
bugisblue: I feel very bad for Vanhook's family. Many times when someone makes a bad judgement call, the entire family pays for that mistake as well. The landlord's family will never see him again. I find that incredibley sad.
I understand what you are saying. But, violence is never the answer. Now, because Vanhook wasn't able to put the breaks on, he has ruined his life FOREVER, over what? Money? Most likely he will get life in prison.
Just think of all the people that were scammed by Madoff... that was horrendious, yet no one beat him to death..
"This statement is just plain ignorant..."
Linda in Vegas -- you're the one who's ignorant here. Reasons: 1) if the accused was defending himself he was justified, at least partially; 2) you say the accused should have used the courts, yet the landlord was enforcing eviction himself instead of using the courts for the usual eviction process.
You say "violence is never the answer." What do you do when violence comes to you? I was faced with that once, an intruder in my home. Now I am armed. I will never be in that position again defenseless.
I agree that violence is not the right answer. Its sad to say that if john's dad didn't die from lung cancer last year. He would still be living right here with his family and friends. I know john as a loving son who took care of his ailing father all the way till his last day. He must of been pushed very far. I'm very certain he didn't want that man to die. It was not over money. From what i hear. john payed his rent 3 months in advance. John caught him stealing his mail and had confronted the landlord on other occasions. The landlord asked john to leave the property after he confronted him about the mail and the fraud he was committing. who is not to say that the old man came at john . From what i have heard . The fight started off as mutual combat. John is a huge guy. way over 6 feet tall. first of all he would not need a weapon. The smaller landlord being 62 might of needed a weapon. there is so much to what happened that none of us will know. Knowing john, I feel and hope that he can be rehabilitated. I know that this all happened because of the mental state of john. He would never hurt anyone unless his mind was not there. There is something that everyone seems to overlook. YOUR INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY ! and if he is found to have had a diminished mental state.(INSANE) He would not be found guilty of murder.
I will stand next to my friend and hope for the best. I know him as a gentle person who after losing his dad has lost his mind. remember GOD loves even those who sin Because everyone one of us has sinned.
and as to maddoff. LOL There is a long list of people that would be willing to kick the crap out of him and probably even beat him to death. Our fedral govt. is protecting him from that.
Killerb-
John would only fight someone if he felt threatened or if he was attacked. that is a fact!
bugisblue -- that's self-defense. Depending on the level of mitigation the DA should refuse to prosecute, or at least consider it to be justifiable homicide.
I look forward to what the investigation finds in the end.
I don't know about your state but here in california .you have to first get a 3 day notice to pay or quit you have to then get a 30 day notice and then have to have an unlawful detainer filed against you after that. its called squatters rights. but that does not come into play in this case. his rent was payed in advance. so basically by asking him to leave . he was robbing john . The landlord brought this upon himself. if he would of been a real landlord and not a fraud he would still be here today. he pushed the wrong buttons on the wrong guy probably got violent as well and lost.
bugisblue: I'm a great believer in innocent until proven guilty. I am taking you in this instance at your word, that he indeed did do it. And yes he will have his day in court. It can be difficult to use the insanity defense, and make it stick. But, again, we still have to wait until more information and facts come out.
KillerB: "Linda in Vegas -- you're the one who's ignorant here."
No KillerB I am not. And, I did not say anyone here was ignorant, I said the statement was.
I never said I did not believe in self-defense. If I was in imminent danger, you bet I would (did) defend myself. There are many ways for one to defend themselves, depending on the situation. Sometimes just talking with a person can defuse an altercation.
I am a 5'4 112 lb woman.. say I come at a man or woman 6' 200 lbs, with a lead pipe. All s/he would need to do is take it away from me, not take it away, then beat me with it. Call the police.. have me arrested, as I was attempting to assault this person. Now if you reverse this scenario... I don't have a prayer in hell! I didn't say self-defense was never the answer, I said violence wasn't. Maybe "never" is inaccurate, I don't know.. I think violence and self-defense are 2 separate issues, and don't grouped them together. If someone has to shoot someone (last resort) in self-defense, I don't look at that as violence. I see that as self-preservation.
I just know this guy and i know that something had to have gone really bad for him to react like this. I agree that my statement was some what ignorant. .I was filled with grief and anger
I'm just tired of criminals creating more crime.This was not a crime that was cold blooded and it was not someone going and praying on an innocent victim. certain factors The landlords actions created a reaction. He should of thought of the consequences of his actions. Just as John should have. Yet john might of been able to stop himself because of many different reasons.
This whole pipe deal has so much to question. where did it come from? was it the old mans? or John's?
Is there any proof that this guy was actually paying his rent on time and that the landlord was stealing mail?
i like how people were saying we jumped to conclusions, etc. yet, they are here acting like bugisblue is a real credible source. so funny.
Sabibaby: even if he was stealing his mail, doesn't justify killing someone. or is it ok now? must be!
next thing you know, someone will look at me funny, and i'll beat the living crap out of them, and people here will come and defend ME!
yeah there is. It is a fact that he payed 3 months in advance very recently.The landlord made him pay in advance to cash in right away and not get caught. John has told us that he was missing gift cards sent to him by his mom. this so called landlord did not give john the key to his own mailbox. this is because the property was in default. The landlord was not paying his mortgage and still collecting rent for the residence. John had seen the gift cards at his landlords house. this all happened before the beating. John was being taken advantage of his pre existing mental issues probably made him react. once i again i do not condone this at all. just trying to tell everyone that John was pushed to react. this was not a senseless crime on a innocent victim. provocation and his own misdeeds lead to his own demise. If anything john is guilty of being pushed into a corner during the hardest time of his life. It's human nature to react when pushed hard. There is a lot more to this story then what you have read in the las vegas SUN. Another thing John did not run. he stayed. he felt he had nothing to hide. sounds like a mutual fight gone wrong to me. anyone agree?
I'm a very credible source. and these are not conclusions. I live in california same city that he was from. . why would i be on a las vegas news website talking nonsense about something like this? I didnt wake up and read my las vegas newspaper. These are also part of his sworn statement. so do your research a little better before calling me uncredible or that i jump to ANY conclusions.
Sabibaby: even if he was stealing his mail, doesn't justify killing someone. or is it ok now? must be!
i am not saying it justify's killing someone over that. Im saying that John was provoked. all this happened because of a reaction to someone else taking advantage of someone.lets just say this for an example. If someone was stealing and defrauding my 70 year old DISABLED grandma . DISABLED being the key word NOT grandma and then tried to kick her out of her house after stealing from her..While her rent was already payed in advance. i would go over there kick some butt too. I would stop short of doing grave damage. This landlord was praying on an innocent man and that innocent man snapped under pressure .
Bugisblue" why don't you tell us everything you know about John? Like when was the last time you were with him? I'm curious to know more about his mental issues. Has he committed any other violent crimes in the past, is he supposed to be on court ordered medication? You seem to know a lot about this guy. You make him seem like a real angel. Any dirty secrets you can share with us?
Ohh". I forgot" he's the victim!
No... really though.... tell us more about his mental difficulties....
His medical conditions are his private matters. im trying to give insight on why he did this. NOT solve the crime. OR say it was right for him to do this. People have questions on why people do certain things. All that know him know him as a nice guy .
Sabibaby:The last time i saw John was at his Dads funeral. Who doesn't have mental issues? as to your Ohh he is the victim comment. John was being victimized first. He had done nothing wrong to this man until that bad day.When you don't have 2 pennies to rub together and someone steals your grocery money and then try's to kick you out of your only roof. I hope you would do something about it. There are no dirty secrets about him. He tells the truth and has always told the truth. Hence why he stayed there to surrender to authority's . have you ever been bullied? or were you the bully?
It's hard for me to invision the man on this page ->
http://www.lasvegassun.com/photos/2009/m...
being bullied by a 62 year old man.... That's all I'm saying.
KillerB,
Just because you had a traumatic event in life does not mean that everyone is out to get you. I hope that you seek some professional counseling for your hate and rage towards others. Your rants for the sicko's in this world, police or any other authoritive figure is out of control.
"I'm a very credible source. and these are not conclusions. I live in california same city that he was from. . why would i be on a las vegas news website talking nonsense about something like this? I didnt wake up and read my las vegas newspaper. These are also part of his sworn statement. so do your research a little better before calling me uncredible or that i jump to ANY conclusions."
welcome to the Internet. credibility on the Internet can be very sketchy. Taking one's word isn't very credible, lets be honest here.
I am from las vegas, but I read the New York Times. Just because I am from vegas, doesn't mean I only read las vegas newspapers. ;)
not trying to say you aren't his friend.
bush2hater -- you also made assumptions without a shred of truth behind them. You would have more credibility here by staying on topic and forget trying to get personal with me.
I will always question how the police and state deal with its citizens. The fact you decide to moo with the rest of the herd has no relevance to me or to this Discussion.