A judge in Las Vegas sentenced a Texas man to 100 years in prison for his role in a two-state shooting rampage on Thanksgiving 2020 that included the killing of a man in Nevada and a shootout with authorities in Arizona.
An undated booking photo of Christopher McDonnell, 28. Photograph: AP
Christopher McDonnell, 32, pleaded guilty in October to more than 20 felonies including murder, attempted murder, murder conspiracy, weapon charges and being a felon illegally in possession of a firearm.
Clark county district judge Tierra Jones sentenced him on Friday to a minimum of 100 years in prison, KLAS-TV reported. If he’s still alive, he would be eligible for parole in 2120 with credit for time served.
McDonnell of Tyler, Texas, his brother Shawn McDonnell, 34, and Shawn McDonnell’s then wife, Kayleigh Lewis, 29, originally faced dozens of charges.
Advertisement
Police and prosecutors say the trio began an 11-hour rampage on 26 November 2020 that included apparently random shootings that killed Kevin Mendiola Jr, 22, at a convenience store in Henderson, near Las Vegas, and drive-by gunfire that wounded several other people.
The group then continued into Arizona, where there were additional shootings, including one involving a police officer. All three were arrested after their car rolled over.
Prosecutors said Lewis was the driver as the two brothers fired indiscriminately out of the vehicle’s windows. Shawn McDonnell and Lewis are awaiting trial.
The shooting rampage ended near the Colorado River town of Parker, Arizona, after a chase involving officers from the Arizona department of public safety, the crash of a car with a Texas license plate and the wounding of Shawn McDonnell by troopers wielding assault-style rifles, police said.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the western slope of the northern Sierra Nevada above 5,000 feet and Yosemite National Park, above the Valley floor, from late tonight until Wednesday afternoon.
Heavy snow is forecast.
The snow levels will initially start out between 6,000 to 7,000 feet tonight, before lowering to 5,500 to 6,500 feet on Tuesday, and then down to 4,500 to 5,500 feet on Wednesday.
The heaviest snowfall is expected Tuesday afternoon and evening.
Advertisement
Minor accumulations of up to two inches is possible down to 4500 feet. The total snow accumulations above the 7,000 foot elevation, will range from three inches to as much as two feet.
Southwest winds could gust as high as fifty to seventy-five mph along the highest peaks. Such strong winds could cause tree damage.
Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Persons should delay all travel if possible. Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Visibilities may drop below a quarter of a mile due to falling and blowing snow. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility. Leave plenty of room between you and the motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially cautious on hills or when making turns. Make sure your car is winterized and in good working order.
Persons in the Watch Zone are urged to stay indoors until conditions improve. If you must go outside, dress in layers. Several layers of clothes will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Cover exposed skin to reduce your risk of frostbite or hypothermia. Gloves, a scarf, and a hat will keep you from losing your body heat.
Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.
Mojave (Nev.) head football coach Wes Pacheco announced on Sunday morning that he’s stepping down from his position, according to a social media post.
Pacheco announced his resignation after six seasons at the helm of the Rattlers, putting together a 29-22 overall record from 2020-2025.
“I have officially stepped down as Head Coach of the Mojave Football Program,” Pacheco said in his social media post. “Thank you to Principal Cole for giving me the opoortunity make an impact on the lives of Mojave Student-Athletes. I am grateful and blessed to have labored through a 6-year journey of successes, failures, life lessons, character building and growth with the student-athletes myself and my coaching staff have served. I will forever love my Mojave Family, the Mojave Community and believe in the notion that SUCCESS can be attained by showcasing character, treating everyone with respect, and always have the courage to dream big and trust that “ATTACKING THE HARD WORK” & “HIGH MOTORING EVERYTHING” can yield SUCCESS that you want to achieve in life!”
During Pacheco’s half dozen seasons leading Mojave, his best record came in the 2024 season when the Rattlers finished with a 12-1 record. Located out of North Las Vegas, Mojave had to compete against the likes of national high school football powerhouse Bishop Gorman during the regular season.
Advertisement
Mojave ended the last season with a 4-6 record and as the state’s No. 23rd ranked team, according to the final 2025 Nevada High School Football Massey Rankings.
More about Mojave High School
Mojave High School, located in North Las Vegas, NV, is a dynamic public high school that fosters academic excellence, personal growth, and community involvement. Home of the Rattlers, MHS offers a wide range of academic programs, athletics, and extracurricular activities. With a strong commitment to student success, Mojave emphasizes leadership, college and career readiness, and a supportive school culture that prepares students for life beyond graduation.
For Nevada high school football fans looking to keep up with scores around the nation, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the Silver State, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the high school football excitement across Nevada.
