A family in Las Vegas is voicing their outrage after police shot and killed a man who called for help during a break-in.

The shooting occurred early Tuesday around 12:40 a.m., according to a statement from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, which later provided further details during a press conference.

The deceased, identified as 43-year-old Brandon Durham, had made multiple calls to the police on Tuesday regarding a shooting occurring at his residence.

Durham was inside his home with his 15-year-old daughter when several individuals broke in through the front and back doors, as explained by Assistant Sheriff Dori Koren at the news briefing.

He instructed his daughter to hide in her room, according to KSNV, a local television station.

Durham then informed the police that he was barricading himself in the bathroom, the police reported.

Upon arrival, officers observed several damaged vehicles in the driveway and noticed broken windows on the house. They also heard “screaming and banging coming from inside the residence,” Koren stated.

Officer Alexander Bookman was the first to enter the residence, having kicked open the door, as reported by Koren. He proceeded down an L-shaped hallway and encountered Durham and a woman, identified as 31-year-old Alejandra Boudreaux, who were struggling over a knife.

Bookman ordered them to drop the knife and then discharged his weapon, striking Durham and causing both the homeowner and the alleged intruder to collapse. In total, Bookman fired six rounds, Koren noted.

Officers apprehended Boudreaux and attempted to assist Durham, but he was declared dead at the scene.

According to Koren, this incident marks the 13th police-involved shooting in the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department for the year, with eight incidents resulting in fatalities. In contrast, there were six police shootings last year, with two being fatal.

Koren indicated that investigators believe Durham and Boudreaux were acquainted, thus deeming the initial call a domestic situation.

Boudreaux was taken to Clark County Detention Center, facing charges that include committing an act endangering safety resulting in death, home invasion using a deadly weapon, assault with a deadly weapon, domestic violence, and child endangerment.

Body cam footage reveals officer confronting homeowner and discharging weapon

Koren provided additional information about Officer Bookman, a 26-year-old who has been with the department since 2021 and currently serves in the Community Safety Division within the South Central Area Command. He has been placed on paid administrative leave while the incident is under review, according to a press release from the police.

Age-restricted body camera footage shows Bookman communicating with dispatchers en route to the scene. After parking, he spoke with another officer and determined they needed to enter the home.

After entering, Durham’s screams of “hey” could be heard. Following the sound, Bookman proceeded into the L-shaped hallway, weapon drawn, yelling, “Hey, drop the knife!” According to the footage, he then fired his weapon, leading to the collapse of both the victim and the assailant.

“Put your hands up,” he commanded both Durham and Boudreaux.

Specialized police unit is examining the shooting

Durham’s sister, Diane Wright, expressed her disbelief to local reporters, stating that her brother’s death is incomprehensible.

“How could you shoot him instead of the individual in a red hoodie and ski mask?” Wright stated to KSNV.

Isabella, Durham’s daughter, expressed her anger toward the police department.

“I feel disgusted that the Metropolitan Police treated my father like the suspect in the situation when he was actually the victim. Now I have to live without him forever,” she shared with KSNV.

The police department announced that its Critical Incident Review Team is investigating Durham’s fatality.

“The review will examine policies, tactics, and training related to this application of force,” said the department in a news release.

When questioned by local media, Koren confirmed that no firearm was found at the scene, although the initial report mentioned multiple suspects engaging in gunfire.

Upon entering the home, Koren displayed images from the incident during the press conference, indicating that both Durham and the suspect had knives in their hands when Officer Bookman arrived on the scene.

“As seen in the images, both individuals are on the ground, and one is still gripping a knife,” Koren stated.

Addressing comments from Durham’s family, Koren referred to Durham’s death as “tragic, and we regard it with utmost seriousness.”

Koren elaborated that the officers were reacting to a “very active and violent situation,” having been informed that several individuals were shooting into the house and had even entered it.

“They believed there was an imminent threat and violence taking place,” he explained. “The difficulty comes when they turn the corner and confront two people with a knife involved … they had to make their choices on the spot,” he added.

Family remembers Brandon Durham as a dedicated father and realtor

According to the agency’s site, Durham worked as a realtor for the Signature Real Estate Group and had been a resident of the area for over 15 years.

Ailin Averhoff, Durham’s ex-wife and mother of his child, expressed to YSL News on Monday afternoon that he was a remarkable father.

“Simply saying ‘excellent’ doesn’t fully capture it,” she shared with YSL News, noting that he never missed out on any of their daughter’s important moments. He attended every school dance, basketball game, and even went to the gym with her to motivate and support her.

His family has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to gather funds for memorial expenses, counseling, and emotional support.

He is survived by his partner, Rachael Gore, his daughter Isabella, and his 13-year-old stepson Branden.

This story has been revised to include new information.