On a quiet November morning in Henderson, Nevada, an ordinary drive to school turned into a nightmare no parent ever expects. Newly released body-camera footage from law enforcement offers a gut-wrenching window into that moment when Valente Ayala learns his 11-year-old stepson, Brandon Dominguez-Chavarria, has been shot — and he collapses in pure, unfiltered grief, screaming, “My kid is dead… my son!”
The tragedy unfolded just after 7:30 a.m. on November 14, as Ayala was driving Brandon in his SUV along the 215 Beltway toward school. According to Henderson police, Ayala and another driver — 22-year-old Tyler Matthew Johns — began “jockeying for position” in heavy traffic. Tensions flared when Johns tried to pass on the shoulder, windows rolled down, harsh words exchanged.
Witnesses say the dispute escalated fast. Johns allegedly pulled out a handgun and fired a single shot into Ayala’s vehicle. The bullet struck Brandon in the head while he was buckled into the back seat. Shocked and desperate, Ayala rammed his SUV into Johns’ car, forcing both vehicles to stop in the middle of the freeway. Both men climbed out, their confrontation continuing — until a passerby flagged down an officer.
Bodycam footage captures the chaos that followed. Ayala collapses, sobbing, as officers rush in. Through tears, he begs for help, clinging to the hope his stepson survived. Johns, meanwhile, calmly surrenders, admitting what he’d done: “We were road-raging … it’s 100 percent my fault. I didn’t even know he had a kid in the car,” he tells the responding officer. At one point, he even asks, “Is there a chance that the kid will be okay?” in disbelief.
Despite the frantic efforts of first responders, Brandon could not be saved. The Clark County Coroner later confirmed he died from a single gunshot wound to the head. The community mourned this young life cut short, remembering Brandon as a playful, loving child who adored soccer, Roblox, and cherishing moments with his siblings.
Johns was immediately arrested at the scene and now faces serious charges: open murder enhanced by the use of a deadly weapon, along with additional charges for discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle. According to court documents and reports, he is being held without bail, and his next court date is scheduled for December 4. A judge denied his lawyer’s request to lower bail, citing the “dangerous” nature of the act.
In the days after the shooting, prosecutors reviewed Ayala’s actions — particularly his decision to ram Johns’ car — to see if any charges might apply to him. But Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson declined to prosecute, stating that while the situation was devastating, Ayala’s response did not rise to the level of criminal negligence.
Johns’ defense, however, is painting a different picture. His attorney described the shooting as an “accidental situation,” suggesting Johns raised and fired his weapon in a misguided attempt to deter what he perceived as a threatening driver. According to court filings, Johns claims he didn’t realize anyone — especially a child — was in the SUV.
Still, the judge refused to grant bail. During a hearing, Bhagourn went as far as to praise the victim’s family, with one family member telling Johns directly, “He took my son’s life away … nobody should go through what I’m going through.” The court echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that road rage doesn’t justify deadly force.
In the aftermath, the community has rallied around Brandon’s family. A GoFundMe started by relatives describes him as “the light of our family — a sweet soul whose life was stolen in a senseless act of anger.” And Henderson Police Chief Reggie Rader, visibly shaken, urged everyone to think twice before letting anger rule their drive. “A sobering reminder that seconds of anger can destroy lives forever,” he said.
This tragic case has ignited broader conversation about road rage, gun violence, and how fleeting moments of frustration can lead to irreversible loss. As the investigation continues, and court proceedings unfold, Brandon’s family and the community are left grappling with a heartbreaking question: How could a school-day morning commute end in such a devastating, senseless act?
