Video Appears to Show Deadly Gunfight Between Las Vegas Neighbors
One of the men died in the purported May 7 shootout.
— -- Newly released video played this week in a Nevada courtroom shows an apparent deadly gunfight between neighbors.
The video appears to show a May 7 shootout between Giancarlo John Banova and James Stapleton.
In the video, Banova appears to be seen driving his truck. Stapleton is apparently seen walking away but when Banova drives forward, firing a handgun, Stapleton reappears, this time with a 12-gauge shotgun. Stapleton appears to fire four times.
Both men were wounded in the apparent shootout, and Banova later died. Nearby homes were riddled with bullets.
A judge who viewed the video at a hearing decided Stapleton should stand trial on felony murder and shooting charges in Banova’s death. Stapleton is scheduled to be arraigned today in Clark County District Court. He has not entered a plea, and calls to his attorney were not returned.
Police documents allege that Stapleton sent a text message to an ex-girlfriend before the shooting. “You might not hear from me again, I think I am going to put an end to my problem with my neighbor; can’t take it anymore,” he allegedly wrote.
“Please stop and rethink what is important, the bullets will always win and everyone else loses,” she responded, according to police documents.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.