Las Vegas, NV – A Nevada man has been sentenced to four to 10 years in prison for fatally shooting his stepfather following an argument over bathroom toiletries. 23-year-old Alex Renteria pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the October 2024 death of 47-year-old Christopher Brian Harris.
Incident Overview
According to police reports, the incident occurred on October 22, 2024, after Renteria found his bathroom toiletries in the trash and assumed Harris had thrown them away. The disagreement escalated into a verbal argument that turned violent, leaving Harris fatally injured.
Renteria told police that he initially picked up a Glock handgun to make Harris back away. When the situation escalated, he returned to his room and grabbed an AR-15 rifle, firing multiple shots at Harris. The victim was shot in the hand and leg and later pronounced dead at a hospital.
Courtroom Statements
During sentencing on Thursday, Renteria read a statement claiming Harris had a drinking problem that “scared” him:
“I told him to leave me alone, and I was scared. I picked up a firearm to make him back away. I never wanted to shoot him.”
Harris’ son, Brian Harris, countered his stepbrother’s account:
“My father loved him as a son, and I find it disgusting that you would sit here and slander him and say he was a drunkard.”
Details from the Arrest Report
Police reports obtained by local news outlets reveal the sequence of events:
- Renteria found his toiletries in the trash and confronted Harris.
- The argument escalated, and Renteria initially held a Glock handgun.
- He retrieved a larger AR-15 rifle, firing a warning shot that hit a wall.
- When Harris attempted to grab the gun, he was shot in the hand and leg.
Renteria reportedly told police he did not simply close his bedroom door to end the fight because “it would have likely just made things weird the next day.”
Sentence and Legal Outcome
Renteria pleaded guilty to manslaughter, and the court sentenced him to four to 10 years in prison. The case illustrates the tragic escalation of a domestic dispute and the dangers of firearms in heated situations.
Conclusion
The death of Christopher Brian Harris highlights the importance of conflict resolution and firearm safety within homes. Authorities emphasize that minor arguments can escalate quickly, resulting in irreversible consequences.
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