A Las Vegas father is facing open murder charges after his bizarre claim that his son fatally stabbed himself by “falling on a knife” unraveled under police investigation. On December 22, Las Vegas Metro Police responded to reports of an unresponsive man with stab wounds to the chest near Pebble Road and Maryland Parkway. The victim, Nelson Garcia-Leon, was pronounced dead at the scene, and a blood-stained 15-inch kitchen knife was found hastily hidden behind an ice cooler.

The victim’s father, 81-year-old Juan Garcia-Hernandez, told investigators his son accidentally fell on the knife, but his story was riddled with inconsistencies. Garcia-Leon’s girlfriend recounted that the father had done little to help and later left the apartment to “seek help.” Her efforts to call 911 were delayed due to dialing errors, but a neighbor ultimately contacted authorities.

Garcia-Hernandez claimed that an argument had ensued after he told his son to stop drinking, citing concerns related to the victim’s recent brain and liver surgeries. However, police noted signs of a cover-up, including the knife’s location and the father’s demeanor, which witnesses described as calm and detached. Adding to the suspicion, records revealed Garcia-Hernandez’s prior arrest for threatening and chasing people with a knife earlier in 2024.

Garcia-Hernandez now faces open murder charges, with evidence pointing to premeditated harm. This incident raises critical questions about accountability in domestic disputes and how prior warning signs, like Garcia-Hernandez’s violent history, could have been addressed more effectively.

Source: International Business Times