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Family of tow truck driver killed in hit-and-run crash honors his life, calls for driver awareness

Submitted by 8NewsNOWStaff
Friday, April 9th, 2021, 9:54pm

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A month after a local tow truck driver was killed in a hit-and-run crash, friends and family gathered in Henderson Friday for a candlelight vigil to honor his life and share an important message. 

Flashing lights and falling tears marked heartbreaking moments, as those who loved Ryan Billotte remembered him. 

"He was absolutely amazing, always funny," Ryan's wife Becca Billotte told 8 News Now. "Always had a smile."

The 48-year-old was working along the 215 near South Decatur Boulevard on March 9 when police said 51-year-old Colette Despain hit him and left the scene. 

Colette Patrice Despain (Nevada Highway Patrol)

Despain, who was later arrested, faces multiple charges including failure to stop at the scene of a crash involving death. 

"He is supposed to be at home with me," Becca Billotte said, fighting back tears. "And he's not because people aren't paying attention."... Read More

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A Strip Experience off the Strip: Mariposa Cocina relaunches with new experience

Submitted by 8NewsNOWStaff
Friday, April 9th, 2021, 9:17pm

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- After a brief winter hibernation, a new Latin American restaurant in the west valley is blooming into spring with a revamped design, menu and cocktail program.

Mariposa Cocina & Cocktails on Decatur near Sahara reopens April 9. It originally opened in December 2020 but ran into some problems early on.

"The government sanctions, 25% capacity and without having a liquor license, it made things a little bit tough," said Nick Vardakis of Ava Rose Public Relations Agency, which handles communications for the restaurant. "We decided to take a quick hiatus. During that time, we made some renovations, implemented a new menu and we now have a full bar program."... Read More

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I-Team Exclusive: Parents of child in federal lawsuit against CCSD break silence

Submitted by 8NewsNOWStaff
Friday, April 9th, 2021, 6:30pm

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- Parents of a child at the center of a federal lawsuit against the Clark County School District (CCSD) are breaking their silence.

In 2017, teacher Kasey Glass was seen in surveillance video at Kirk Adams Elementary School with fourth grader Hunter Howard. He has autism and is nonverbal.

Lawyers for Hunter alleged what was seen in the video is abuse: withholding his food as punishment, which is against the law, and taunting him.

"I was just shocked," said Tammara Tims.

She and Chris Howard are Hunter's parents. They reached out to the I-Team to speak about this for the first time.

"This caught me off guard," said Tims. "It completely blindsided everybody in my family."

They say Hunter's education started off on a positive note, and he was doing well. But they started to notice changes in his behavior, especially toward his sister, who he usually bonded with. ... Read More

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Metro Police investigating homicide near Westcliff, Durango

Submitted by 8NewsNOWStaff
Friday, April 9th, 2021, 6:05pm

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- Metro Police are investigating a homicide that originally stemmed from a call made to Las Vegas Fire & Rescue (LVFAR). The incident occurred near Westcliff and Durango drives in the west valley around 1:58 p.m.

Metro Lt. Ray Spencer says LVFAR responded to a report of a victim suffering from cardiac arrest in the 8400 block of Dunphy Court. When fire crews arrived to the home, the discovered a white male, believed to be in his 40s, deceased inside... Read More

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NEW: COVID-19 cases highest in a month; 18% fully vaccinated

Submitted by 8NewsNOWStaff
Friday, April 9th, 2021, 12:08pm

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Nevada reported its highest number of new COVID-19 cases in about a month in data released Friday. Most of the state's cases 637 new cases came from Clark County, which had 554.

The statewide count is the highest since March 11, when 858 cases were reported.

Nevada’s total cases are now at 306,952. Clark County has a total of 237,037.

Coronavirus vaccine data, updated every other weekday by the state’s health department, shows more than 18% of Nevada’s population is now vaccinated, a number that should grow rapidly over the next few weeks.

Also, Nevada's COVID-19 test positivity increased from 4.7% to 4.8%. Nevada's test positivity rate still remains under the recommended WHO goal of 5%, but continued to climb for the fifth consecutive day... Read More

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Henderson police investigating shooting near Sunset Road, Stephanie Street

Submitted by 8NewsNOWStaff
Friday, April 9th, 2021, 8:42am

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- Henderson Police report that around 7:20 a.m., they responded to a shooting incident near West Sunset Road and Stephanie Street.

An adult male was on the scene was suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. The male was transported to an area hospital in unknown condition.

No suspect description or additional information is available at this time.

There are no road closures at this time, but areas of the shopping center parking lot have been closed to traffic.

JUST IN: Henderson police are investigating a shooting near Sunset Road and Stephanie Street. Police say the scene is still active. Please avoid the area. #8NN https://t.co/tTJ8EzMoDb... Read More

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Police detain subjects after report of shots fired near Las Vegas Strip at Harmon

Submitted by 8NewsNOWStaff
Friday, April 9th, 2021, 8:18am

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- Metro police are working near the Las Vegas Strip and Harmon Avenue after a 5 a.m. report of shots fired.

Multiple subjects have been detained, according to police.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department watch commander said no victims have been located as of now.

Police were called to the 3700 block of S. Las Vegas Blvd. Friday morning.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.... Read More

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