Family Seeks Justice After Las Vegas Father Shot Dead By Police During Home Invasion

A family is seeking clarification and justice in the wake of a tragic incident where a Las Vegas father was fatally shot in his own abode after alerting authorities about a potential break-in. Recently released police bodycam footage depicts the harrowing moments when Brandon Durham, aged 43, fought with an alleged intruder over a knife during the early hours of November 12. The alleged intruder, identified as 31-year-old Alejandra Boudreaux, was seen in a red hoodie while Durham was without a shirt. Disturbingly, Durham's 15-year-old daughter was present in the house, although not at the scene of the confrontation, as reported by officials.

The officer involved, Alexander Bookman, entered the residence and implored both parties to relinquish the knife before discharging his weapon. The footage reveals that Durham was struck and subsequently collapsed, with Bookman firing five additional rounds thereafter. Tragically, Durham was pronounced dead at the site. In light of this devastating turn of events, Durham's family is now demanding clarity and accountability.

Family's Demand for Explanation

"He called the police for safety, and in return, he was brutally murdered," expressed Durham's daughter, Isabella, during a press conference. Her poignant words encapsulate the family's anguish and confusion over the circumstances that led to her father's death. Reflecting on the profound sense of loss, Durham's mother added, "Someone needs to explain to me why my son is not here with us today." The profound grief and unanswered questions have prompted the family to seek a thorough investigation and a clear understanding of the events that unfolded that fateful night.

The police officer involved in the incident, Bookman, is currently on paid leave as the Las Vegas Metro Police Department conducts an investigation to determine whether he acted within the bounds of appropriateness or if criminal charges are warranted. The Clark County District Attorney, Steve Wolfson, informed Durham's family that the investigation could span a duration of 30 to 90 days, as reported by CBS affiliate KLAS. The indeterminate timeline of the investigation further compounds the family's distress, as they grapple with the uncertainty surrounding the circumstances of Durham's death.

Legal experts are emphasizing the need for a comprehensive explanation of the officer's use of force during the incident. Felipe Rodriguez, an adjunct professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a former detective sergeant for the NYPD, stated, "Every time a police officer used force, he has to be able to articulate why he used that force." This underscores the importance of accountability and transparency in addressing the family's concerns and the broader implications for public trust in law enforcement.

The Alleged Intruder and Legal Proceedings

Alejandra Boudreaux has been apprehended and is facing multiple charges, including one count of home invasion with a deadly weapon, one count of assault with a deadly weapon, one count of performing an act of willful or wanton disregard of safety resulting in a person's death, and one count of child abuse, as reported by the police. The details surrounding the relationship between Boudreaux and Durham reveal a complicated dynamic, as they were known to each other and had an admitted intimate liaison. Boudreaux's alleged statement to detectives expressing an intention for the police to end her life on the day of the home invasion adds a chilling layer to the already tragic circumstances.

In light of the complex interplay of events that culminated in the tragedy, the quest for justice and closure for Durham's family remains paramount. The intricate legal proceedings, the pressing need for accountability in the use of force by law enforcement, and the emotional toll on the family underscore the multifaceted nature of this harrowing incident. As the investigation unfolds and the legal proceedings progress, the family and the broader community continue to grapple with the profound impact of this loss.