Three arrested in deaths of two LV roommates

Three suspects were arrested Wednesday in the homicide investigation of Paul Stephens and Brian Hudson, who were killed in their Las Vegas apartment in early June.

Carlos Zapata, 23, Ralph Jeremias, 23, and Ivan Rios, 24, were each arrested and charged with two counts of murder, robbery with a deadly weapon, conspiracy to commit robbery, and burglary with use of a deadly weapon, according to a Metropolitan Police Department report.

Rios drove Zapata and Jeremias to the victims' apartment at Polo Club apartments, 4201 S. Decatur Blvd., so Jeremias could buy marijuana, the report states.

Both Rios and Zapata confirmed to investigators that Jeremias entered the apartment complex alone with a black handgun, prepared himself in the victims' bathroom, and, upon emerging, shot each victim multiple times.

Jeremias returned to Zapata's truck several moments later and the trio fled the scene, but Jeremias and at least one other suspect returned in his mother's rental car later to collect a laptop computer, marijuana and bank cards and cash, the report states.

Police said investigators learned the victims were selling large quantities of marijuana from their apartment.

Zapata told police Jeremias had bought marijuana from Stephens and Hudson before, and had noticed the expensive items in the apartment.

Police said they were able to identify the suspects after surveillance tapes captured Jeremias unsuccessfully attempting to use the stolen bank cards. The tapes also revealed the rental car, which police traced to Jeremias.

Homicide Lt. Lew Roberts said no one deserves to die as Stephens and Hudson died, drug dealer or not.

"We have laws. You can't go out and kill people, that's what it boils down to," he said. "Murder's the ultimate crime, and no one has the right to do that."

All three suspects were being held without bail. They are expected to make their first court appearance today.

Contact reporter Mike Blasky at mblasky@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0283.