Las Vegas man arrested in deadly Arizona shooting over holiday weekend

27-year-old suspect allegedly opened fire during drug-induced episode

A Las Vegas man has been arrested in connection with a fatal shooting in western Arizona that took place over the Fourth of July weekend, according to the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies responded on Saturday, July 5, to reports of a shooting at a residence on E. Nogalas Drive in Topock, a small Arizona community located south of Needles near the California border. When officers arrived, they detained Quintin Antonio Vesga, 27, of Las Vegas.

Inside the home, authorities discovered Dennis Wayne Morris, 67, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

Suspect reportedly fired during drug-related episode

Investigators say Vesga had allegedly consumed illegal drugs and alcohol the night before the incident. According to statements from the sheriff’s office, Vesga later believed he was experiencing a nightmare and, during the episode, retrieved a firearm and unintentionally shot himself in the hand. He then fired additional rounds inside the home, striking Morris multiple times.

The motive behind the shooting appears to stem from a disoriented and impaired mental state, but the investigation remains ongoing.

Charges and legal process

Vesga was taken into custody on suspicion of second-degree murder and transported to a hospital in Las Vegas for treatment of the self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities say that upon release from the hospital, he will be transferred to Mohave County Jail in Kingman, Arizona, where he will face formal charges.

Law enforcement officials have not announced whether bail has been set or if additional charges may be filed.

Image Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/texas-man-held-las-vegas-232935382.html

Category: Local News
Subcategory: Crime & Safety
Date: 07/09/2025