Lawsuit Accuses Gunman’s Son of Aiding Deadly Summerlin Law Office Assault

A Routine Hearing Turns Fatal (Image Credits: Pexels)

Las Vegas – Nearly two years after a family law deposition erupted into violence, the ex-wife of a slain prominent attorney has filed suit against the shooter’s family, claiming they enabled the attack that claimed two lives.[1]

A Routine Hearing Turns Fatal

On April 8, 2024, emergency responders rushed to a law office on Charleston Boulevard in Summerlin following reports of gunfire. Joseph Houston II, a 77-year-old attorney, opened fire during a custody deposition involving his wife, Katherine Houston. He killed Dennis Prince, 57, who represented his wife Ashley Prince, 30, and Ashley herself before taking his own life.[1][2]

The deposition centered on a bitter custody dispute between Ashley Prince and her ex-husband, Dylan Houston, Joseph’s son. Joseph Houston represented Dylan in the proceedings. Witnesses described a tense atmosphere, but no immediate argument preceded the shots. Police later recovered a handwritten note from Joseph Houston’s briefcase decrying harassment of his family and labeling the opposing side as evil.[2]

Dennis Prince had rearranged seating earlier, wary of having his back to the door. The attack unfolded rapidly, with 11 shots fired over two minutes. A court reporter fled unharmed after the initial bursts.[3]

New Claims Surface in Civil Suit

Nancy Bernstein, a Las Vegas Justice Court judge and mother of Dennis Prince’s son, filed the lawsuit on March 9, 2026, in Clark County District Court. She targets Joseph Houston Law, Joseph Houston’s estate, Dylan Houston, and Katherine Houston. The complaint alleges Dylan participated in his father’s plan to kill Dennis and Ashley Prince, while the others possessed prior knowledge.[1]

Bernstein seeks over $45,000 in damages for her son, citing the loss of his father’s guidance and support. The suit demands a jury trial. It portrays the defendants’ actions as directly causing the tragedy.

Threats and Ominous Warnings

The lawsuit highlights Dylan Houston’s communications as evidence of foreknowledge. Four days before the deposition, he emailed Dennis Prince: “you have no idea what’s coming do you, all your cards are on the table and I haven’t played one.”[1]

Ashley Prince expressed fears beforehand, texting private investigator Hal De Becker: “Do you have any private security you recommend? Dylan has a ton of guns in that house.” She canceled security after assurances Dylan would not attend, which the suit calls a ploy to advance the attack. Dylan also sent Ashley these threats:

• “I don’t want to see you unless you’re in a casket.”
• “I will chisel you down to a weaker and worthless sack of bones.”
• “I’ll crush you in ways you don’t even comprehend.”

Joseph Houston and his firm knew of these messages, according to the complaint.[1]

Police Probe Contrasts with Allegations

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s final report, released in September 2025, concluded Joseph Houston acted alone. Investigators found no evidence he shared his intentions. Dylan Houston received clearance as a suspect in July 2024, backed by an alibi of school drop-offs and casino activity.[2][1]

After the shooting, Katherine Houston left the room without aiding the victims or confronting her husband, the suit notes. Her attorney in a related case, Jonathan Hansen, maintains no conspiracy existed.

Broader Legal Fallout

This marks at least the third lawsuit stemming from the incident. In February 2025, Ashley Prince’s parents, Paul and Julie Page, sued Katherine Houston and Joseph’s estate over civil conspiracy. That case heads to trial in September 2027.[4][1]

Custody of Ashley and Dylan’s children resolved separately last year. The Prince Law Office closed permanently months after the attack.

As courts dissect lingering questions of complicity, the Summerlin tragedy underscores risks in heated family disputes. What are your thoughts on these ongoing battles? Share in the comments.