A violent incident at a North Las Vegas casino led to the death of former Nevada State Senator Pat Spearman's adopted son.
According to the New York Post, Na'Onche Osborne, 23, was fatally shot inside the Aliante Casino & Hotel garage early Thursday, sparking a high-speed police chase that ended with multiple injuries and the arrest of a teenage suspect.
The Clark County Coroner's Office confirmed Saturday that Osborne died from multiple gunshot wounds at the casino located 18 miles north of the Las Vegas Strip. Police arrested 19-year-old Aerion Warmsley following a dramatic pursuit through the city streets that reached speeds of up to 105 mph.
Former Senator Spearman had adopted Osborne as a teenager with hopes of providing him a better life away from his violent past. The 70-year-old politician acknowledged the challenges of raising a child who had witnessed violence early in life.
Their relationship faced public scrutiny in 2022 when Osborne was involved in a shooting incident at Spearman's home. He shot and wounded his cousin during a dispute over blowing marijuana smoke in a child's face.
Spearman, who served 29 years in the Military Police Corps before retiring as a lieutenant colonel in 2007, addressed the 2022 incident during her unsuccessful mayoral campaign. She expressed support for both the justice system and her son while condemning gun violence.
The suspect's attempts to escape law enforcement resulted in multiple carjackings and civilian injuries. After the initial shooting, Warmsley crashed his vehicle near Trump International Hotel Las Vegas before allegedly commandeering three different vehicles.
During the pursuit, he struck a bus stop, critically injuring a mother of four. At least one other pedestrian was also hit during the chaotic chase. Warmsley now faces felony murder with a deadly weapon and robbery charges.
The Spearman family released a statement regarding their loss:
It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Senator Spearman's beloved son. This is an unimaginable loss for the Senator and their family, and they are heartbroken. During this difficult time, the Senator and their family ask for privacy as they grieve and support one another. They are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and condolences from friends, colleagues, and the community.
Spearman's political career included three terms in the Nevada State Senate from 2012 until reaching her term limit in February. She served as president pro tempore during her final term and ran unsuccessful campaigns for both U.S. Congress in 2020 and North Las Vegas mayor in 2022.
The shooting occurred hours before current North Las Vegas Mayor Pamela Goynes-Brown, who defeated Spearman in the 2022 mayoral race, delivered her annual State of the City address at the same casino.
The former senator had received notable endorsements during her campaign, including one from former Vice President Kamala Harris.
Na'Onche Osborne's death at the Aliante Casino & Hotel marked a tragic end to a troubled life that his adopted mother tried to improve. The incident triggered a destructive police chase through Las Vegas streets, resulting in multiple injuries and the arrest of 19-year-old Aerion Warmsley. While authorities continue their investigation into the motive behind the shooting, the former state senator and her family mourn the loss of a son whose life was cut short by the very violence his mother had hoped to help him escape.
