The Las Vegas community is mourning the deaths of Ashley Marie Avila, 33, and her estranged husband, identified by relatives as Jack Novelo, following a fatal shooting at a residence in the east Las Vegas Valley on Monday, August 24, 2026. According to information in the provided report, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police are investigating the deaths as a murder-suicide.
Police received a report of two people shot at approximately 3:40 p.m. inside an apartment in the 4900 block of South Nellis Boulevard. Officers arrived and found a woman and a man suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Medical personnel responded, but both individuals were pronounced dead at the scene.
What Happened to Ashley Avila and Jack Novelo?
Investigators determined that the couple had recently separated. Police said the man had allegedly forced his way into his estranged wife’s residence and waited for her to return. Investigators believe he then shot her before fatally shooting himself.
The initial LVMPD release did not publicly identify either victim, stating that formal identification and official cause and manner of death would come through the Clark County Coroner’s Office. Relatives later identified the woman as Ashley Marie Avila and named her husband as Jack Novelo.
One particularly tragic aspect of the incident is that the couple’s two teenage daughters reportedly discovered their parents after returning home from school. Police said the children were not physically injured and that a guardian later took custody of them.
Remembering Ashley Marie Avila
Ashley was born on November 4, 1992, according to a tribute from her mother, and was 33 years old when she died. Her family remembered her as a devoted mother, daughter, sister and aunt.
She was also known for her work in Las Vegas’s culinary industry. Earlier coverage documented her experience as a prep cook at Makers & Finders before she became a pastry chef at Take It Easy, where she worked with pastries, cakes, empanadas and Colombian baked goods.
Ashley also worked at Williams & Graham and Occidental. Following her death, former colleagues remembered her as talented, funny, determined and passionate, while emphasizing her role as a mother to two teenage daughters.
Her mother, Angel Apodaca, publicly identified Ashley and described her as her firstborn and best friend. Other relatives and former colleagues likewise shared tributes highlighting Ashley’s kindness, culinary talent, determination and devotion to her family.
Investigation Continues
The LVMPD Homicide Section remains responsible for the investigation. Police have asked anyone with information about the case to contact homicide detectives at 702-828-3521. Anonymous information can be provided through Crime Stoppers at 702-385-5555.
The Clark County Coroner’s Office is responsible for releasing formal identities and official causes and manners of death. While police have confirmed the basic murder-suicide scenario, some information concerning the couple’s personal and legal history remains based on statements from relatives rather than confirmed police findings.
The deaths have left two teenage daughters, relatives, friends and members of Las Vegas’s culinary community facing a devastating loss. Ashley’s loved ones are remembering her not only because of the tragic circumstances of her death, but also for the life she built as a mother, family member and chef.
As the investigation continues, additional information may emerge regarding the events leading up to the shooting. For now, the confirmed investigation remains focused on establishing the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Ashley Marie Avila and Jack Novelo.
About the Author
