Police: Dad was target of shooter, not girl

The father of a 9-year-old girl was the intended target of a shooting that took his daughter's life earlier this month because he was selling marijuana in the neighborhood, a police report released Thursday said.

Will Bullins' daughter did not survive the spray of bullets meant for him as he was standing on his balcony June 12 at his two-story apartment on 2112 Sun Ave., near Civic Center Drive and Cheyenne Avenue, according to the North Las Vegas police report.

Bullins' daughter Savannah was shot while playing with her younger sister in the second-floor living room.

Police arrested Marcus Dewayne Larry, 27, on Wednesday and charged him with a slew of counts, including murder with use of a deadly weapon.

But according to the report, a second suspect, Kenneth Reid, 20, who was still at large Thursday evening, was the gunman who fired 10 9mm bullets into the apartment.

Larry also was charged with murder with a deadly weapon because he acted in concert with Reid during the crime, the report said.

Police have identified three witnesses, whose names were not released in the report, who saw either the shooting or the two suspects fleeing the scene. All three witnesses identified themselves as gang members.

"Willie Bullins was targeted, because he had been selling drugs in the neighborhood," the report documented one witness as saying. "Apparently, Marcus and Kenny did not want the competition for the drug market."

That gang member told police he was a member of the Crips.

The two other police informants identified themselves as members of the Hoodsman Bloods, according to the report. The report added that the Crips member said Reid and Larry were "taking back the neighborhood for the Bloods."

Bullins, 29, interviewed by phone Thursday, said he would not comment on the report's allegation that he was selling drugs out of the apartment. He disputed investigators' contention earlier this week that the shooting was drug-related.

But he credited police for the arrest of Larry, saying they are doing a "wonderful job."

Bullins also said he cherished his daughter. "I love her, and I miss her dearly."

The report said one of the gang members would be willing to testify in court and implied a second also would be willing to do so.

Police Sgt. Tim Bedwell said he is not concerned that some of the police witnesses are reputed gang members.

He said there was enough evidence against Reid and Larry for the arrest warrants. He said he feels confident the case will go to trial.

"The evidence is going to be weighed by a jury," Bedwell said. "The ultimate test is how the jury views it."

Larry served time in prison for battery with a deadly weapon and trafficking a controlled substance, according to the Nevada Department of Corrections.

Reid served time for assault with a deadly weapon, a charge that was enhanced because the crime was gang-related.

Bedwell said he is hopeful residents will step up and help police catch Reid because the crime has "outraged" the neighborhood.

"The key to finding him is that someone in the community will come forward and let us know where he's at," Bedwell said.

Contact reporter Antonio Planas at aplanas@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-4638.