Las Vegas, Nevada – An unsettling tragedy unfolded in the city as a deposition turned deadly for a local attorney and his wife. The Clark County coroner’s office confirmed on Wednesday that Dennis Prince, 57, and Ashley Prince, 30, died from multiple gunshot wounds in Summerlin, ruled as homicides. The couple, who were parents to an infant, tragically lost their lives at the Prince Law Group offices during a child custody dispute deposition.
The fatal incident occurred when Joseph Houston II, a 77-year-old attorney representing his son in the case, unexpectedly opened fire, ultimately taking the lives of Dennis and Ashley Prince before taking his own. The coroner’s report determined that Houston died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. The harrowing attack unfolded just five minutes into the deposition, with Houston pulling out a handgun and shooting Dennis Prince four times, as detailed in a court document filed shortly after the incident.
The presence of other attorneys, including Lisa Rasmussen representing Joseph Houston’s wife, Katherine, added to the chaos of the shooting. Dylan Houston, the ex-husband of Ashley Prince and also an attorney, was not present during the deposition that ultimately ended in tragedy. Court records revealed a tumultuous backstory, with Dylan filing for divorce from Ashley in October 2021, leading to a custody battle that remained unresolved at the time of the fatal incident.
In the aftermath, the Resiliency and Justice Center provided support for those impacted by the shooting, offering solace and assistance to individuals dealing with the emotional fallout. The community, reeling from the loss of the Princes and the shocking turn of events during the deposition, found a semblance of comfort in the available resources. Beyond the legal complexities and personal tragedies, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragile nature of human relationships and the devastating consequences of unresolved conflicts.
As the city of Las Vegas mourns the loss of two lives and grapples with the aftermath of the shooting, support and resources are extended to those in need. The implications of the incident reach far beyond the legal realm, touching the lives of families, colleagues, and the broader community. In the wake of this tragedy, the importance of conflict resolution, mental health awareness, and support systems resonates more strongly than ever, urging individuals to seek help and connection in times of distress.