LAS VEGAS, Nev. — A tragic domestic violence incident has left two teenage girls without their parents after authorities say a murder-suicide unfolded inside a Las Vegas home on Monday afternoon.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department identified the deceased as Ashley Apodaca-Avila and Joaquin Novelo. Investigators believe Novelo fatally shot Apodaca-Avila before taking his own life.
According to police, officers were dispatched to the residence shortly after 3:30 p.m. Monday after receiving a distressing call from a teenage girl who reported finding her parents unresponsive upon returning home from school.
When officers arrived, they located a man and a woman, both in their 30s, suffering from gunshot wounds. Police immediately attempted life-saving measures, but both individuals were pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigation Points to Domestic Violence
During a media briefing, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Lt. Robert Price said preliminary findings indicate that the couple had been married but were living separately at the time of the incident.
Investigators believe Joaquin Novelo forced his way into the residence and remained inside waiting for Ashley Apodaca-Avila to return home. When she arrived, authorities allege that he shot her before turning the weapon on himself.
Police said the couple’s two daughters later discovered the scene after arriving home from school.
The girls were subsequently placed in the care of a guardian, according to investigators.
Authorities continue to review evidence and gather information as part of the homicide investigation. Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section.
Remembering Ashley Apodaca-Avila
As the investigation continues, family members and friends are focusing on remembering Ashley Apodaca-Avila for the life she lived rather than the tragic circumstances surrounding her death.
Those who knew Ashley describe her as a compassionate, energetic, and devoted mother whose life revolved around her children. Friends say she possessed a remarkable ability to support others, often putting the needs of family and loved ones ahead of her own.
Loved ones remember her as someone who brought warmth and positivity wherever she went. Whether offering encouragement during difficult times or celebrating life’s milestones with those she cared about, Ashley earned a reputation for her generosity, loyalty, and unwavering commitment to the people around her.
Family members say her greatest source of pride was her role as a mother.
Daughters Left to Carry Her Legacy Forward
Ashley leaves behind two daughters, Laila, 17, and Lia, 14, who family members say embodied many of the qualities that made their mother so beloved.
Relatives and friends describe the teenagers as resilient, compassionate, and determined young women who shared a close bond with their mother.
In the span of a single afternoon, the sisters experienced an unimaginable tragedy that changed their lives forever. Support has since poured in from family members, friends, and members of the community seeking to help the girls as they navigate an uncertain future.
Those close to the family say Ashley worked tirelessly to provide for her daughters and devoted herself to ensuring they had opportunities to succeed. Her dedication to motherhood remained a defining part of her life.
A Community Reflects on the Impact of Domestic Violence
The tragedy has once again highlighted the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the lasting impact such incidents have on families, especially children.
Community members have expressed sorrow over the loss of Ashley Apodaca-Avila and concern for the two young girls now left to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of the tragedy.
Friends say Ashley should be remembered for her strength, kindness, and the love she poured into her family every day. While her life was cut short far too soon, those who knew her say her influence will continue through her daughters and the countless people whose lives she touched.
As investigators continue their work, loved ones are mourning the loss of a devoted mother, daughter, sister, and friend whose life ended in a heartbreaking act of violence. The Las Vegas community now joins her family in remembering Ashley Apodaca-Avila and extending support to the daughters she loved so deeply.
