4 Arrested in Horrific Las Vegas Hatchet Murder of Homeless Man Found Brutally Burned Near Railroad Tracks

REPORT: Police say surveillance video shows a group bludgeoning a sleeping man 17 times with a hatchet, then torching the body on railroad tracks—an attack first detailed by multiple local media outlets covering the case.

A mutilated corpse discovered on April 13 along railroad tracks near Owens Avenue and I-15 has led to four murder arrests in what detectives call one of the city’s most brutal homeless-on-homeless crimes.

Officials urge anyone with additional information or footage to contact Las Vegas Metro homicide; anonymous tips may qualify for a cash reward.

Key Details: Hatchet Murder Las Vegas

• Victim: A 37-year-old unhoused Las Vegas resident.
• Suspects: Four men, ages 27 – 32, all experiencing homelessness.
• Alleged weapons: Hatchet (primary), makeshift club, accelerant to burn remains.
• Crime Scene Details:
• Location: 1500 block of A Street, near West Owens Avenue and I-15
• Method: beaten with hatchet-like object while sleeping
• Body condition: found with burns, suggesting arson
• Evidence:
  • Rail-yard surveillance shows the group walking toward the scene minutes before the killing.
  • One suspect admitted appearing in the video but denied involvement while speaking from jail.
  • Autopsy confirms 17 hatchet blows to the head and upper body; burn patterns point to post-mortem fire.
• Charges: Open murder with a deadly weapon, conspiracy to commit murder, and arson.
• Custody status: All four held without bail; preliminary hearing set for July 22.

Timeline of the Crime

• ~12:40 a.m.: Victim seen bedding down on an abandoned mattress by the tracks.
• 1:05 a.m.: Four individuals spotted on security cameras heading west on Owens Avenue.
• 1:10–1:15 a.m.: Attack occurs—hatchet strikes, body doused, set ablaze.
• 6:45 a.m.: Rail-worker discovers charred remains and calls 911.
• June 4: First suspect arrested; three co-suspects detained within hours.

Las Vegas homeless crisis | Safety Takeaways for Homeless-Outreach Workers

• Buddy system: Conduct welfare checks in pairs, especially near rail corridors.
• Coordinate with rail police: Secure permission to patrol known encampments on railroad property.
• Document encampments: Maintain updated maps and contact lists to spot sudden disappearances.
• Promote conflict-resolution resources: Offer mediation and shelter referrals to reduce intra-camp violence.

For More Information

• 8 News Now – Las Vegas: “4 arrested for killing Las Vegas homeless man with hatchet, burning body” video report
• Las Vegas Review-Journal: Print story on arrests and surveillance footage
• KTNV-13: Background on prior homeless-community violence cases