Clark County reviews findings on Jose Luis Saenz fatal police incident

In a somber gathering at the Clark County government building, officials convened to review the tragic death of Jose Luis Saenz Jr., who lost his life during an officer-involved shooting on February 20, 2024. Presiding over the proceedings, Mandy McKellar emphasized the importance of transparency, stating that the review was mandated by county ordinance following the District Attorney's preliminary decision not to pursue criminal charges against the officers involved.

The meeting, characterized by its informal yet serious tone, aimed to present essential facts surrounding the incident to the public. Chief Deputy District Attorney Kenneth Paul Ports led the fact-finding review, detailing the events that led to Saenz's death. The audience was cautioned that the material presented might contain graphic content, underscoring the sensitive nature of the discussions.

Detective Robert Chavez, a member of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department's Force Investigation Team, provided a comprehensive overview of the incident. He explained that officers were dispatched to a scene where Saenz was reportedly harming himself with a metal bar. Upon arrival, officers attempted to engage with Saenz, who approached them while wielding the weapon. Despite commands to stop, Saenz advanced towards the officers, prompting them to use a less-lethal weapon before ultimately discharging their firearms.

Chavez's presentation included visual aids that depicted the location of the incident and the makeshift living conditions of Saenz, who was found in a tent with his wife. The investigation revealed that two officers, Joshua Romanski and Paul Guerrero, were directly involved in the shooting, each firing multiple rounds. Both officers had their body cameras activated during the incident, although they did not provide formal statements to the investigation team.

As the review progressed, the audience was reminded of the role of the ombudsman, Josh Tomsic, who represented both the public and Saenz's family, ensuring that their voices were heard during the proceedings. The informal questioning process allowed for public engagement, with attendees encouraged to submit questions for consideration.

While the review did not aim to determine the cause of death, it served as a crucial platform for transparency and accountability in law enforcement practices. The proceedings highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by police in critical situations and the importance of community oversight in fostering trust between law enforcement and the public. As the meeting concluded, attendees were left with a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding officer-involved shootings and the need for continued dialogue on public safety and justice.