by Las Vegas, Nevada, authorities have released body-worn camera footage tied to a fatal hostage situation that ended with the deaths of a 3-year-old boy and his father, raising difficult questions about police response, domestic violence threats, and split-second decisions during armed encounters involving children.
Police identified the child as Kentre Baker, who was killed during a confrontation with officers outside a Las Vegas residence on Tuesday, February 3. His father, 28-year-old Quentin Baker, was also killed during the incident, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
Incident Began With 911 Call Threatening Child’s Life
The investigation began with a 911 call placed by a woman identified by multiple outlets as Raneka Pate, the child’s mother. Police said she reported that Quentin Baker was threatening to kill both her and their young son.
According to officers, Pate told dispatchers that Baker issued a chilling ultimatum.
“If you don’t tell them to call this off, and if they try to come up these stairs, I’m blowing the child’s brains out, and I’m blowing mine out. You won’t have neither one of us.”
Police said officers responded to the scene believing they were dealing with an active hostage threat involving a firearm.
Bodycam Shows Father Approaching Officers With Child
In bodycam footage released this week, officers are seen positioned outside the residence when a man identified by police as Quentin Baker walks toward them while carrying his 3-year-old son in his left arm.
Police allege Baker was pointing a gun at the child as he approached. Officers repeatedly ordered him to drop the weapon.
According to authorities, Baker did not deny having a gun. Instead, he reportedly demanded to see Pate.
“He continued advancing toward officers while holding the child,” police said during a press briefing.
Moments later, gunfire erupts. The footage does not clearly show who fired first, and investigators say that determination remains under review.
Child Shot Multiple Times, Police Say
Assistant Sheriff Bryan Peterson said investigators believe Kentre Baker suffered close-range gunshot wounds to the head and that the child was shot three times.
Police allege that two of those gunshots came from Quentin Baker’s weapon. The source of the third gunshot has not yet been determined.
“It has not been determined where the third shot came from,” Peterson said.
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Kentre was rushed to a hospital but later died from his injuries. Quentin Baker was pronounced dead at the scene.
Mother Disputes Police Account
Pate told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that she watched the shooting unfold from inside a patrol car and disputes police claims that Baker was armed.
“There was a plethora of bullets,” she said.
She also accused police of attempting to deflect responsibility.
“They are trying to play damage control, but they will pay for killing my son,” Pate said.
Police acknowledged her statements but said the investigation remains ongoing and that all evidence, including forensic analysis and bodycam footage, is under review.
Officers Identified, Not Accused of Wrongdoing
LVMPD identified the two officers involved in the shooting:
- Jonathan Low, 39, employed with the department since 2019
- Daymon O’Donnell, 26, employed with the department since 2024
According to police, Low fired three rounds, while O’Donnell fired two rounds during the incident.
Authorities stressed that neither officer has been formally accused of wrongdoing, and both were placed on standard administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
Charges Father Would Have Faced
Assistant Sheriff Peterson said that had Quentin Baker survived, he would have faced multiple felony charges, including:
- Murder
- Child abuse
- Domestic violence-related offenses
“This was a volatile domestic violence situation involving explicit threats to a child’s life,” Peterson said.
Case Raises Questions About Police Encounters Involving Children
The incident has reignited public debate over police response during hostage situations involving minors, especially when a child is used as a shield.
Experts note that such scenarios are among the most dangerous and unpredictable situations officers face, with seconds separating potential rescue from tragedy.
At the same time, civil rights advocates stress the importance of independent investigations and transparency whenever police use deadly force, particularly when a child is killed.
Investigation Ongoing
LVMPD said multiple reviews are underway, including:
- Internal use-of-force investigation
- Review by the Clark County District Attorney’s Office
- Forensic and ballistic analysis
Officials said they will release additional findings once investigations are complete.
For now, the case leaves a city grappling with grief, unanswered questions, and the devastating reality of a child lost during a confrontation meant to save lives.
What are your thoughts on how police should handle hostage situations involving children? Share your perspective in the comments below.
