Tragedy at a Halloween Party: The Murder of Graciela Gomez
A Community in Shock
On October 31, 2021, what should have been a night of fun and celebration turned into a tragic scene of violence in East Las Vegas. A Halloween party on Beesley Drive, near Hollywood and Charleston boulevards, ended in chaos when gunfire erupted, leaving one young woman dead and many questioning the safety of their community. Graciela Gomez, a 21-year-old vibrant soul, lost her life that fateful night, and her story has become a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of gun violence.
Remembering Graciela
Graciela Gomez was not just another face in the crowd. Those who knew her described her as a beacon of light—someone bright, kind, and full of aspirations. “She had a great future ahead of her and had accomplished so many things,” said Cony Velasquez, Graciela’s mother. Graciela was not only a member of the Nevada Army National Guard; she also contributed to the COVID-19 task force in Las Vegas, showcasing her commitment to serve her community. Her untimely death left a gaping hole in the lives of her family and friends.
The Night of the Incident
According to reports from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD), the Halloween party quickly spiraled out of control. Initially intended for a smaller group, the celebration was heavily promoted on social media, drawing a crowd that rapidly grew to an estimated 300 to 400 individuals. The influx of attendees brought in a mix of people, some of whom were likely not invited. Moments before 1 a.m., as the festivities peaked, gunfire shattered the night.
The Chaos Unfolds
Detective Larry Samples, of the LVMPD homicide division, has been tirelessly investigating the case. His recollection of that night reveals a chaotic scene. “There was no real target,” he explained. “It was just the partygoers in general.” Witnesses in a nearby car fired indiscriminately into the crowd before speeding away, leaving behind confusion and heartbreak. While two other women sustained injuries, Graciela was critically wounded and succumbed to her injuries in the hospital shortly after.
Unresolved Questions
Despite the passage of time, the search for truth in Graciela’s case remains ongoing. Detective Samples expressed frustration over the lack of leads. The conditions of that night—a party fueled by alcohol and costumes—complicated the gathering of reliable witness testimonies. Many attendees struggled to provide accurate descriptions of the suspects due to the chaos and confusion. “It’s only a cold case by policy or definition,” Samples stated, “but it’s not a cold case to me. I work it constantly.”
A Call for Justice
In his relentless pursuit of justice, Detective Samples is determined to keep Graciela’s memory alive. He hopes renewed attention on the case might encourage anyone who has information to come forward. “If somebody calls something in or we get any type of tip, I drop what I do, and I’ll work it day, night, weekends. It doesn’t matter,” he affirmed, highlighting his commitment to solving this heartbreaking case.
Community Involvement
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the case to contact Crime Stoppers at 702-385-5555. The hope is to gather the necessary insights that could lead to identifying those responsible for the tragic loss of Graciela Gomez—a life that held so much promise and potential, tragically cut short.
Graciela Gomez’s story resonates not only as a personal tragedy but as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for community awareness and action against gun violence.