A tragic story of control, fear, and a deadly outcome has shaken the Las Vegas community. Julio Machado Vasquez, 24, is accused of shooting his longtime girlfriend, 24-year-old Gissell Selene Perez, during an argument in his car and driving around with her body for nearly two hours before crashing his vehicle and being apprehended by police.

Police reports and accounts from those close to Perez paint a picture of a toxic, “on-again, off-again” relationship that began in high school. According to a female acquaintance who eventually called 911, Machado Vasquez was allegedly “panicked” after what he described as an “accidental” shooting. Rather than seeking help, he reportedly asked the woman to meet him in the desert to help dispose of Perez’s body.

Machado Vasquez claimed to police that the shooting happened as he and Perez argued in his blue Ford Mustang. According to his account, Perez grabbed a gun he was carrying, which he wrestled back and allegedly pointed at his own head in a disturbing and reckless act. “If you’re going to do it, do it right,” he reportedly told her. Moments later, the gun discharged, hitting Perez in the back of the head.

Instead of immediately seeking medical attention, Machado Vasquez drove aimlessly with Perez’s lifeless body for nearly two hours. When police located him, he attempted to flee but ultimately crashed into another vehicle near East Charleston Boulevard and North Pecos Road. Perez was pronounced dead at the scene from a gunshot wound.

Perez’s friends and family have since come forward with harrowing stories of Machado Vasquez’s controlling and threatening behavior throughout their relationship. Diana Barrios, a close friend of Perez, described him as “extremely toxic,” recounting numerous incidents where he stalked, harassed, and threatened Perez. “She was afraid to leave the house,” Barrios said, adding that Perez had installed security cameras in her home to monitor him.

The relationship had reportedly been deteriorating for months. Barrios recalled an incident in November where Perez called her in fear because Machado Vasquez had a gun and was acting threateningly. Despite these warning signs, the cycle of fear and control continued until it culminated in Perez’s death.

Machado Vasquez is now facing charges of open murder with a deadly weapon and is being held without bail at the Clark County Detention Center. His court appearance was postponed due to medical reasons, but justice appears to be closing in on this disturbing case.

As the Perez family grieves this devastating loss, a GoFundMe has been launched to support them during this difficult time. Friends remember Gissell as vibrant and full of life, someone who loved her family and friends dearly. Barrios, reflecting on their final conversation, said, “We were supposed to get sushi and go hiking. She had just gotten her lashes done. It’s just so, so sad.”

This case raises larger questions about domestic abuse and the deadly consequences of unchecked toxic relationships. How can we better protect those at risk and prevent tragedies like this from happening? Share your thoughts below.

Source: Law & Crime 

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