Las Vegas woman accused of fatally shooting carpet cleaner at random during his work

A woman with a criminal history of arson, who was out on parole, allegedly shot and killed a man in a random incident while he was working in Las Vegas. The victim, identified as 41-year-old Raul Cardoza, was found near a van with a gunshot wound and later pronounced dead at a hospital. The suspect, 27-year-old Kayla Alery, reportedly approached the vehicle and fired a shot at Cardoza before fleeing the scene on foot.

Prior to the shooting, Alery was seen checking car doors at an apartment complex and was reported to the leasing manager by multiple individuals. Maintenance workers were asked to help locate the suspect and lead them off the property. As workers searched for Alery, she allegedly approached a van belonging to a carpet cleaning company outside the apartment complex and shot Cardoza, who was inside the vehicle. Police believe the shooting was random and that Cardoza was an innocent victim who was killed while working.

Alery was arrested by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police and booked into the Clark County Detention Center on charges including open murder with a deadly weapon, assault with a deadly weapon, and possession of a gun by a prohibited person. She was scheduled to appear in court following the incident. Court records revealed that Alery had previously been charged with arson, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and obstructing a public officer. In a separate incident in 2022, she had attempted to set a vehicle on fire at an apartment building, resulting in a prison sentence.

The senseless killing of Raul Cardoza has left the community shocked and saddened, as police described him as a hardworking individual who was simply doing his job at the time of the shooting. The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers that can arise from unpredictable acts of violence in everyday situations. Alery’s criminal history and parole status have raised questions about the effectiveness of the justice system in preventing repeat offenses and protecting the public from individuals with violent tendencies.

The case highlights the importance of vigilance and reporting suspicious behavior to authorities, as multiple individuals had noticed Alery’s actions prior to the shooting. The swift response by law enforcement in apprehending the suspect demonstrates the dedication of police in ensuring justice for the victim and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. The tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the potential risks that can exist in seemingly ordinary situations, emphasizing the need for enhanced safety measures and awareness in communities.