Fatal shooting looms over Family Court race, with two attorneys trying to unseat incumbent – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash)
Clark County — A tragic shooting tied to a bitter child custody dispute continues to influence the race for Clark County Family Court Department R. Judge Bill Henderson, who oversaw the contentious case, now faces two challengers in the June 9, 2026, primary election.[1][2] The incident, which claimed three lives in April 2024, has drawn scrutiny to Henderson’s handling of high-stakes family matters.
The Fatal Shooting That Shook Family Court
On April 8, 2024, attorney Joseph Houston II opened fire during a child custody deposition at a Summerlin law office. He killed Ashley Prince, 30, and her husband Dennis Prince, 57, before taking his own life.[2] Houston represented his son, Dylan Houston, in the ongoing dispute with his ex-wife Ashley over their two young children.
The violence erupted amid escalating tensions in the case, which Henderson had overseen since at least 2021. Court records revealed a pattern of threats from Dylan Houston, including text messages such as “I don’t want to see you unless you’re in a casket” and suggestions that Ashley move to Oregon to be euthanized.[2] Despite repeated requests from Ashley’s side for contempt sanctions, Henderson never held Dylan in contempt, opting instead for measures like a court-monitored messaging app.
Ashley’s mother, Julie Page, later voiced frustration at a press conference. “There were so many red flags that seemed to be glossed over by the court,” she said.[2] Family members described Ashley living in constant fear amid verbal abuse and violations of court orders.
Henderson’s Rulings in the Turbulent Case
Henderson expressed dismay over some of Dylan Houston’s communications during hearings. “It’s appalling. It’s appalling from a member of the bar,” the judge remarked about the threatening texts.[2] He ordered the use of a court-run communication platform to curb direct contact, but violations persisted.
Following the shooting, Henderson acted swiftly on custody arrangements. He granted temporary custody to Ashley’s sister, Lexie Page, while allowing Dylan supervised visits contingent on surrendering all firearms to Las Vegas police and undergoing alcohol monitoring.[3] The judge emphasized prioritizing the children’s best interests amid the tragedy.
Later, Henderson unsealed hundreds of court documents, shedding light on the two-year battle marked by drug test disputes, fee requests, and “scorched earth” litigation tactics. Critics pointed to systemic issues in Family Court, but Ashley’s family specifically faulted the lack of consequences for early warning signs.[2]
Challengers Enter the 2026 Race
Marilyn Caston and Nick Petsas announced their bids to unseat Henderson, the three-term incumbent elected in 2008. Caston, a UNLV Boyd School of Law graduate who ran unsuccessfully for another seat in 2020, focuses on broad family law experience including divorce and child support.[1]
She advocates for earlier court starts to reduce gridlock, expanded informal trials for self-represented litigants, and specialized handling of complex divorces. “The right person can do a lot of good, and the wrong person can do a lot of bad,” Caston said.[1] Her campaign raised $11,650 in the first quarter.
- Nick Petsas: Specializes in Child Protective Services cases, representing 150-170 parents annually; former teacher; emphasizes pro se litigant support, as 85% of cases involve them.
- Raised nearly $123,000 in Q1; endorsed by Clark County Prosecutors Association.
Petsas described his work as rewarding despite heavy topics. “When you’re helping people get through these difficult times, it really pays off,” he noted.[1]
Henderson’s Record Under Scrutiny
Henderson’s tenure has faced recent headwinds. A Las Vegas Review-Journal survey gave him a 50.5% retention score, with attorneys criticizing his familiarity with records (under 50% approval), court efficiency (31%), and legal accuracy (45%).[1] Our Nevada Judges reports a 47% error rate on 98 appeals since 2009.
The 2024 shooting criticism lingers, with Ashley’s parents faulting overlooked risks. Henderson, unavailable for recent interviews, raised $5,500 in Q1 and holds endorsements from veterans’ groups.[1] A primary winner needs a majority to avoid a general election runoff.
As Clark County voters approach the June 9 primary, the race highlights tensions in handling volatile family disputes. The shadow of the 2024 tragedy underscores the stakes for families relying on the court’s decisions.
