Henderson man’s shooting death ruled a suicide

The death of a 30-year-old Henderson man was the result of a self-inflicted gunshot and not shots fired by police officers during an August domestic disturbance call, a coroner's inquest jury ruled today.

The incident occurred early Aug. 24, when officers were called to the Henderson home of James Heitkotter, his wife and a roommate, according to witness testimony. The ruling echoed the Clark County coroner's office findings that Heitkotter's death was a suicide.

Two officers, Raymond Wilkens, 24, and Johnny Flewellen, 32, both testified that they fired at the man, but said Heitkotter's fatal wound was from the rifle shot he fired into his head.

The seven-member jury deliberated for about 30 minutes before returning its unanimous verdict.

Wilkens and Flewellen have worked for the Henderson Police Department since September 2005 and March 2006, respectively.

Heitkotter, his wife, Jill Sweifach and roommate Steven Fisher spent the night before the incident at a favorite karaoke bar, where witnesses say Heitkotter was the only person in the group who consumed alcohol.

Sweifach said the fun soured shortly after they returned to their home near College Avenue and East Horizon Drive at about 2:20 a.m. She said Heitkotter "went from laughing and joking instantly to rage" and began yelling at her about personal issues.

He became aggressive soon after, flinging a lit cigarette at her and then chasing after her when she tried to retreat inside. Fisher intervened and engaged in a scuffle with Heitkotter while Sweifach called police.

Sweifach and Fisher waited for authorities in the front yard, where Heitkotter soon joined them.

"He said, 'You don't need to call someone, it's all worked out,' " Sweifach said.

When she said police were on their way, Heitkotter looked at her and said "goodbye then" before returning inside the house.

Sweifach said she interpreted his words to mean he was going to kill himself, as he's had suicidal tendencies in the past. She told the jury that the couple kept firearms inside the house, including a handgun, long-range sniper rifle and a .40-caliber carbine.

Wilkens and Flewellen both testified that when they entered the home, they found Heitkotter in a bedroom perched at the edge of a bed with a rifle positioned under his chin. They said they tried to talk to the man but he was combative.

When Heitkotter motioned as if he was going to stand, the officers said his rifle fell toward them and they both fired shots at him. Wilkens said the man was struck yet lifted his weapon, shot himself and fell forward.

"Every domestic disturbance is different because emotions are involved," Wilkens said. "We are trained in domestic responses to make the situation as safe as possible."

Contact reporter Maggie Lillis at mlillis@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0279.