Trio indicted in LV slayings

Three men accused of executing and robbing two men alleged to be drug dealers were indicted Wednesday by a Clark County grand jury.

Carlos Zapata, 23, Ralph Jeremias, 24, and Ivan Rios, 24, face two counts each of murder with a deadly weapon and robbery with a deadly weapon. They also face one count each of conspiracy to commit robbery and burglary.

Investigators believe that on June 7, Jeremias went to the Polo Club Apartments, on Decatur Boulevard south of Flamingo Road, to buy marijuana from Paul Stephens and Brian Hudson.

Both Rios and Zapata confirmed to investigators that Jeremias entered the apartment alone with a handgun and shot each victim multiple times, police said.

According to the indictment, both men were shot in the head.

Jeremias and at least one other suspect returned later to collect a laptop computer, marijuana, bank cards and cash, police said.

Police believe Jeremias had bought marijuana from Stephens and Hudson before, and had coveted the expensive items in the apartment and their lifestyle.

Police were able to identify the suspects after surveillance tapes captured Jeremias unsuccessfully attempting to use stolen bank cards.

The three men were arrested June 24.

The Clark County district attorney's office has 30 days to decide whether to pursue the death penalty in the case.

Contact reporter Francis McCabe at fmccabe@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2904.