“He Did Not Have a Weapon”: Las Vegas Mother Challenges Police Account in 3-Year-Old’s Fatal Shooting

LAS VEGAS, NV — A tragic confrontation in the southeast valley has left a mother demanding answers after her 3‑year‑old son was fatally shot during a police standoff.

Authorities reported that Quinton Baker and his son, Kentre Baker, died early Monday after a tense encounter with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) at the Parkside Villas apartment complex near South Maryland Parkway and Wigwam Avenue.

According to Capt. Ryan Wiggins, officers responded around 1:20 a.m. to reports of a domestic dispute involving Baker, who was allegedly battering a woman and attempting to take a child. Police said updates indicated Baker had fired a gun in the parking lot before retreating inside.

LVMPD’s account states that Baker later emerged from the apartment holding his son hostage while pointing a firearm at him. Officers said Baker ignored commands to surrender and began approaching them. Police fired, striking Baker, while he simultaneously discharged his weapon toward the child. Kentre was rushed to a hospital but died from his injuries. Baker was pronounced dead at the scene. No officers were injured.

This incident marks Metro’s third officer‑involved shooting in 2026.

However, Raneka Pate, Kentre’s mother, disputes the official narrative. Speaking to KSNV, she said she witnessed the encounter and insists Baker was unarmed. According to Pate, Baker was simply carrying their son toward officers when they opened fire.

“He did not have a weapon,” Pate said. “He was carrying my son, walking toward the officers.”

Pate explained that she had called authorities for help during the domestic dispute but urged officers to de‑escalate, warning them that Baker was agitated with the child inside. She claims seven or eight officers fired as Baker approached, contradicting police statements that he was armed and threatening the child.

The family is now seeking body camera footage to clarify what happened. LVMPD policy requires that officers involved in shootings be identified within 48 hours and that a public briefing be held within 72 hours.

The case has sparked grief and controversy in Las Vegas, with community members calling for transparency and accountability. Advocates stress the importance of reviewing body‑worn camera evidence to ensure clarity in officer‑involved shootings, particularly when conflicting accounts emerge.

As the investigation continues, the tragedy underscores the devastating consequences of domestic disputes escalating into violence and the challenges police face in high‑risk encounters. For Pate and her family, however, the focus remains on seeking justice and answers for the loss of young Kentre.

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