Lisa Rasmussen, an attorney who witnessed a tragic murder-suicide inside a Las Vegas law firm, shared her harrowing experience with Fox News Digital. The incident occurred on April 8 at Prince Law Group, where terminally ill attorney Joe Houston fatally shot prominent Las Vegas attorney Dennis Prince, his wife Ashley, and then ultimately took his own life. The shooting was the result of an intense custody battle that had been marked by “a lot of venom.” Rasmussen vividly recalled the moment when Houston suddenly pulled out a gun and began shooting, describing the sounds and chaos that ensued.
As Rasmussen attempted to process the unfolding violence, she quickly realized the severity of the situation and took swift action to escape with her client and others who were present in the conference room. It was later revealed that the victims, the Princes, were embroiled in a contentious custody battle with Dylan Houston, Ashley’s ex-husband and Joe Houston’s son. Rasmussen, who was representing Joe Houston’s wife, Kelly, at the time, expressed disbelief over the tragedy and the unexpected turn of events that led to the fatal shooting.
Despite the shocking nature of the incident, Rasmussen emphasized that there were no apparent warning signs leading up to the shooting. She described Joe Houston as appearing normal and even jovial on the morning of the tragedy. As the events unfolded, Rasmussen recounted the moments leading up to the shooting, highlighting the lack of pleasantries and the abruptness of the deposition process. Despite the tense atmosphere, Rasmussen did not anticipate the violent outburst that would follow, leading to the loss of multiple lives.
Reflecting on the tragedy, Rasmussen expressed her gratitude for the support she has received and her determination to move forward. She acknowledged the impact of the traumatic experience on her mental health and revealed that she is currently in therapy. Looking ahead, Rasmussen hopes to use her story to advocate for more respect and civility within the legal profession. She envisions sharing her experiences with other lawyers and participating in legal education programs to emphasize the importance of maintaining professionalism and civility in the practice of law.
The aftermath of the shooting left a community in mourning, with Dennis Prince leaving behind four children and an infant daughter with his wife Ashley. The tragic event serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by families involved in legal disputes, as well as the importance of de-escalating conflicts and promoting a culture of respect and civility within the legal community. Rasmussen’s resilience and determination to advocate for positive change in the aftermath of the tragedy exemplify the strength and courage needed to navigate through such devastating circumstances.
