The family of 3-year-old Kentre Baker, who tragically lost his life during a police incident on February 3, is pushing forward with a wrongful death lawsuit against the Las Vegas Metro Police Department (LVMPD). Kentre’s mother, Raneka Pate, is seeking justice and accountability, asserting that police did not heed her warnings when they arrived at the scene of a domestic dispute involving her estranged partner, Quinton Baker, who was allegedly holding their son hostage at gunpoint.
Pate, who witnessed the horrifying events unfold, has expressed her grievances, stating, “I shouldn’t even call it in the first place because I was held hostage, locked in the back of a police car, and watched them execute my son’s dad and my son without a warrant.” Despite her emotional turmoil, local attorney Joseph Gersten, who is not involved in the case, urged caution, emphasizing that it may be premature for Pate and her legal team to move forward with the lawsuit. He indicated that crucial details about the incident were still emerging and that police protocols are often complex and multifaceted.
Gersten highlighted that when officers respond to a domestic violence call, they must follow established protocols to ensure public safety. He posited that the officers likely acted in accordance with their training given the chaotic nature of the circumstances. “The fact that she was there eliminated any situation where she could go running and try to tackle…cross in front of the paths of the officers that are bearing down on this type of a situation,” he noted, suggesting that their priority was to control a potentially volatile situation.
As Pate and her legal representatives prepare their case, Gersten pointed out that significant evidence would need to be examined before moving forward. This includes ballistics, forensic details, surveillance footage from the apartment complex, phone records, and body camera video. While the road ahead may prove challenging for Pate and her attorneys, it is essential for the case to be supported by comprehensive evidence to establish accountability for Kentre’s tragic death.
The case brings to light the delicate balance law enforcement must strike in domestic violence situations and the profound impact such incidents have on families. As the investigation unfolds, the hope remains that clarity and justice will be achieved for Kentre Baker and his grieving family.