In the early hours of November 12, 2024, Brandon Durham, a 43-year-old father, was at home in Las Vegas with his 15-year-old daughter when he heard someone trying to break in. Frightened, he called 911, telling the dispatcher that intruders were shooting at his house and that he and his daughter were hiding.
Officer Alexander Bookman, 26, was among the first to respond. Upon arrival, he noticed damage to the home’s windows and vehicles, and heard noises inside. Acting quickly, he kicked in the front door and entered. Inside, he found Durham struggling with a woman, later identified as 31-year-old Alejandra Boudreaux, who was armed with a knife.
Body camera footage shows Officer Bookman shouting for them to drop the knife. Within seconds, he fired his weapon, hitting Durham. Both Durham and Boudreaux fell to the floor. The officer then fired additional shots at Durham, who was lying motionless. Despite efforts to save him, Durham died at the scene.
Boudreaux was arrested and now faces multiple charges, including home invasion with a deadly weapon and assault. Authorities believe she and Durham knew each other, though the exact nature of their relationship remains unclear.
Durham’s family is devastated. His daughter, Isabella, expressed her grief and anger, stating, “I am disgusted in how the Metropolitan Police told my father, after killing him, to stay down. Knowing, treating him like he was the suspect in the situation, he was the victim … .”
Officer Bookman has been placed on paid leave while the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department investigates the incident. Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson stated that it was too early in the investigation to comment on possible charges against the officer.
This tragic event has raised questions about police response and use of force, especially when the person who called for help ends up as a victim. As the investigation continues, the community awaits answers and hopes for justice for Brandon Durham and his family.
