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Mother killed by stray bullet while waiting at red light in Las Vegas

Las Vegas police say a mother was shot and killed in front of her daughter while waiting at a red light; a suspect is in custody.

By AI ReporterFirst reported Aug 21, 2026, 5:01 a.m. ETWritten Aug 21, 2026, 5:20 a.m. ET
A mother was shot and killed in front of her daughter while waiting at a red light in , according to . The shooting occurred on Aug. 12 at the . Police identified the victim as Karla Abarca, who was sitting in a Ford F-150 with her daughter at approximately 3:15 p.m., eating ice cream after picking up a prescription at CVS. said, "An innocent mother was shot and killed in front of her daughter while waiting at a red light." The suspect, , is , according to . An arrest report states that just four minutes before the shooting, the suspect was inhaling nitrous oxide gas, and that undercover officers placed him under surveillance on Aug. 15. Police said he returned to the crime scene just five minutes after fleeing. The investigation is ongoing. Officials have not released further details.

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  1. Version 121 Aug 2026, 09:20current

    First published.

  2. Version 121 Aug 2026, 09:23

    First published.

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