Las Vegas, NV – A 16-year-old Las Vegas teen will serve probation after pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter for the fatal shooting of his father, a dispute that reportedly began over poor grades and restricted access to digital devices. The teen, Lincoln Peterson, was 15 years old at the time of the incident, which occurred on December 28, 2024, in the family home on Tampa Court in west Las Vegas.
Fatal Argument Over Grades and Devices
According to KLAS News, the deadly argument began after Jeremy Peterson, 45, told his son he was cut off from using devices due to poor school grades and accused him of secretly accessing them. During the altercation, Lincoln Peterson allegedly grabbed a gun from atop a dryer and fired, striking his father.
Court records obtained by the Las Vegas Review-Journal indicate that the teen denied any intention to harm anyone, stating later in court, “None of this was ever my intention. I regret all of it.”
911 Call Reveals Family Shock
Police were dispatched after a panicked 911 call from Peterson’s daughter, Lincoln’s sister, who described finding her father shot and her brother running from the scene. She recounted past incidents involving the teen, including threats with a firearm and aggressive outbursts, highlighting a pattern of anger and escalating conflict.
“I always thought he would kill himself but not anybody else,” she told the dispatcher, reflecting on prior incidents.
Sentencing and Court Reactions
On August 14, 2025, Clark County District Judge Tierra Jones sentenced Lincoln Peterson to five years of probation with a suspended prison term of three to seven and a half years. The judge cited the teen’s family support and the contrite nature of his statement in her decision.
During the hearing, the victim’s widow, Abigail Peterson, expressed her grief, saying, “Nothing compares to losing the love of my life, my husband, and knowing that my own son’s action was the cause.” Despite her pain, she acknowledged reconciliation and forgiveness.
Probation Terms and Requirements
Under the probation terms, Lincoln Peterson must:
- Abstain from alcohol and marijuana entirely
- Provide passwords for all devices and social media accounts to parole officers
- Follow a strict curfew
- Complete counseling programs
- Obtain a high school diploma or GED
The teen’s family also voiced support for him, with his sister stating, “I love you and I’m going to support you no matter what.”
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