Former Battery Charge Upgraded to Murder After Homicide Ruling in 2023 Pet Dispute

Las Vegas, NV – The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) announced the re-arrest of Roman Ramirez in connection with a death initially classified as battery but later ruled a homicide. The incident, stemming from a dispute over a pet in June 2023, has taken a significant turn with the upgraded charge.

Timeline of Events:

June 11, 2023: LVMPD responded to a call regarding an unresponsive man, later identified as 69-year-old Larry Vargas.
Initial Investigation:
- Police discovered Vargas outside his residence following a physical altercation with Ramirez, 51, over a pet.
- Due to the limited information and pending investigation by the Clark County Coroner’s Office, Ramirez was initially booked for battery resulting in substantial bodily harm on an elderly person.
February 8, 2024: The Coroner’s office officially ruled the case a homicide.
February 22, 2024: LVMPD’s criminal apprehension team located Ramirez, who was out on bail, and re-arrested him on the charge of open murder.

New Details Revealed in Arrest Report:

Arrest report providing further details about the incident:
- Vargas’ daughter initially contacted police, stating Ramirez, her ex-boyfriend, had rendered her father unconscious.
- Ramirez had allegedly arrived at the residence, seeking to see the dog, Luna, shared between him and Vargas’ daughter.
- After Vargas allowed him access to the dog, Ramirez reportedly attempted to leave with Luna in his vehicle.
- Vargas and Ramirez engaged in a physical altercation, resulting in Vargas falling and sustaining injuries.
- Ramirez was later found to have a history of violent offenses in California.

Ramirez’s Court Appearance: