The Las Vegas legal community is reeling from the tragic events of April 8, 2024, when esteemed attorney Joseph W. Houston II, 77, fatally shot his former daughter-in-law, Ashley Prince, and her husband, prominent attorney Dennis Prince, before taking his own life. The incident occurred during a deposition at the Prince Law Group’s office in Summerlin, Nevada, amid a contentious child custody dispute involving Houston’s son, Dylan Houston, and Ashley Prince.
Joseph Houston was a respected figure in the Las Vegas legal community, known for his sharp intellect and decades-long career. Colleagues remember him as a dedicated professional who mentored many young attorneys. However, in the months leading up to the incident, Houston faced significant personal challenges. He had been battling prostate cancer that had metastasized to his bones, enduring chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Just days before the shooting, Houston learned that his cancer had returned, a revelation that reportedly left him devastated.
The deposition where the tragedy unfolded was part of an ongoing custody battle between )Dylan Houston and Ashley Prince over their two young children. Ashley, represented by her husband Dennis Prince, had filed for sole custody, citing concerns about Dylan’s behavior. Joseph Houston was representing his son in the proceedings. During the deposition, Houston produced a firearm and shot both Ashley and Dennis Prince before turning the gun on himself. Seven people were present in the room at the time, including Houston’s wife, Katherine, who was scheduled to testify.
The Clark County Coroner’s Office ruled the deaths of Ashley and Dennis Prince as homicides and Houston’s death as a suicide. The legal community and the public have been left searching for answers in the wake of this senseless act of violence. Some speculate that Houston’s deteriorating health, combined with the emotional strain of the custody battle, may have contributed to his actions.
In the aftermath, lawsuits have been filed against Houston’s estate and his wife, Katherine, alleging negligence and wrongful death. The Prince family seeks accountability and justice for the loss of their loved ones.
Joseph Houston’s death marks a tragic end to a once-distinguished career. His actions have left a lasting impact on the families involved and the broader legal community. As the community mourns, there is a collective call for increased awareness and support for mental health and well-being, particularly among legal professionals facing personal and professional pressures.
