A Las Vegas child custody hearing turned deadly on April 8th when attorney Joe Houston II, 77, shot and killed Dennis Prince, 57, and his wife Ashley Prince, 30, before taking his own life.

The tragedy unfolded during a deposition related to a years-long custody battle between Dylan Houston, Joe Houston’s son, and Ashley Prince over their two young children.

Tensions Flare Before Deadly Encounter

New details reveal a tense lead-up to the shooting. Days prior, Joe Houston requested Ashley Prince not attend the deposition, a request denied by Dennis Prince. Emails obtained by investigators show a frustrated Joe Houston further requesting that Dennis Prince not repeat previously asked questions.

Lisa Rasmussen, representing Joe Houston’s wife in the custody case, described the chaotic scene. She witnessed Joe Houston pull out a gun and fatally shoot the Princes before turning the weapon on himself.

Custody Dispute Painted a Troubled Picture

Divorce records allege concerning behavior by Dylan Houston, including substance abuse and sending abusive texts to Ashley Prince. An investigator’s report details an incident where Dylan Houston consumed excessive alcohol and drove erratically despite attempts to stop him.

Court documents confirm a protective order issued against Dylan Houston in April 2022 and later extended. Fearing for her safety, Ashley Prince reportedly inquired about private security just days before the shooting. She ultimately cancelled security after assurances Dylan Houston wouldn’t be present.

A Family Torn Apart

The tragic incident left Ashley and Dennis Prince’s children orphaned. A judge has since awarded temporary custody to Ashley Prince’s sister, while their infant half-sister is also under the care of a legal guardian.

Dylan Houston, through an email obtained by investigators, appears to foreshadow the violence, writing to Dennis Prince, “You have no idea what’s coming…”

This heartbreaking case underscores the emotional toll of custody disputes and the potential for violence when tensions run high.

Credits: 8 News Now