In a chilling turn of events, attorney Lisa Rasmussen shares her firsthand account of a horrific murder-suicide that unfolded within the walls of Prince Law Group in Las Vegas. On the fateful morning of April 8, a seemingly routine meeting turned into a nightmare.
The Harrowing Incident
As the deposition commenced, the atmosphere abruptly shifted. Joe Houston, an attorney seated beside Rasmussen, inexplicably pulled out a gun and opened fire. Rasmussen vividly recalls the deafening noise, stating, “It was like a bomb.”
- Rasmussen witnesses Houston point the firearm across the conference table, targeting Dennis Prince and his wife, Ashley Prince.
- Amidst the gunfire, Rasmussen instinctively ducks and flees the room, along with her 8-months-pregnant associate and a court reporter.
The Aftermath
As the chaos subsided, the gravity of the tragedy emerged. Joe Houston, age 77, had mercilessly murdered Dennis Prince, age 57, and his wife, Ashley Prince, age 30. Rasmussen was representing Joe Houston’s wife, Kelly, in a contentious custody battle that had escalated to a boiling point.
The incident left behind unspeakable suffering for the families involved. Dennis Prince is survived by four children, including an infant daughter he shared with Ashley Prince.
Speculating the Motive
Rasmussen questions whether Joe Houston had a premeditated plan, or if the act was a sudden outburst of rage. She notes that Houston had been diagnosed with cancer but did not appear terminally ill at the time.
She recalls Houston asking Dennis Prince about the possibility of resolving the custody dispute for the sake of the children, but received no response. The deposition commenced with an unusually abrupt and discourteous manner, contributing to the tense atmosphere.
Redefining Civility in the Legal Profession
In the wake of this tragedy, Rasmussen expresses her determination to use her experience to promote civility and respect within the legal profession. She hopes to convey the importance of resolving disputes peacefully, emphasizing that lawyering should not be a “gladiator sport.”
Rasmussen’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences that can arise from unchecked rage and incivility. It challenges us to prioritize empathy and compassion in our interactions, especially in high-stakes situations.
