Police report: Father of slain girl, 9, was intended victim

The father of a slain 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 today states.

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, Wednesday and charged him with a slew of charges including murder with a 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 ten 9 mm bullets into the apartment.

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

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 indicated 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 today, said he wouldn’t comment on the report that claimed he was selling drugs out of the apartment. He disputed investigators’ contention earlier this week that the shooting was drug-related.

However, 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 would also be willing to do so.

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

He said there was enough evidence against Reid and Larry for arrest warrants to be issued. 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’s hopeful residents will step up and help police catch Reid for his role in the crime that 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.