Las Vegas woman seeks justice in daughter’s murder

Sasha Loftis
·2 min read
2

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – A Las Vegas woman is calling on the community for help after her daughter was murdered in her home in the south Las Vegas valley Tuesday.

“She was spicy,” Laura Castelle said of her daughter. “She was beautiful.”

Powerful words from a heartbroken mother, as Castelle spoke about her late daughter, Jessica Russo.

Jessica Russo, 36, was found dead at her home on Feb. 20, 2024.(Laura Castelle)
Jessica Russo, 36, was found dead at her home on Feb. 20, 2024.(Laura Castelle)

“She did not deserve what has happened to her,” she said.

Walking 8 News Now through the day Russo was murdered, Castelle said the 36-year-old didn’t pick her two children up from school and no one could get ahold of her, so she went to Russo’s home, where she discovered her body.

“I had my boyfriend kick the door open,” Castelle recalled. “And she was dead on the floor.”

Castelle told 8 News Now Russo had been shot six times in her bedroom.

“I ran to her and cradled her in my arms,” she said. “And was just screaming.”

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police are still searching for Russo’s killer, as her family does its best to sort through overwhelming shock and grief.

“She was just a wonderful, wonderful wonderful person,” Castelle said. “Who would do anything for anybody.”

Laura Castelle is calling on the community for help after her daughter was murdered in her home in the south Las Vegas valley on Tuesday morning. (KLAS)
Laura Castelle is calling on the community for help after her daughter was murdered in her home in the south Las Vegas valley on Tuesday morning. (KLAS)

Castelle told 8 News Now she is solely focused on justice for her daughter.

“Please, if you know anything, if you’ve seen anything,” she said, speaking to the public. “If you have heard anything, please come forward.”

She said she hopes to do everything she can to lay Jessica to rest, so those who loved her can move forward and find peace.

“Jessica was such a wonderful mother, daughter, and friend to so many,” Castelle concluded. “She is my only daughter. I have two sons, she was my best friend.”

<em>Las Vegas Metropolitan Police are still searching for Russo’s killer, as her family does its best to sort through overwhelming shock and grief.</em> (Laura Castelle)
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police are still searching for Russo’s killer, as her family does its best to sort through overwhelming shock and grief. (Laura Castelle)

Castelle told 8 News Now Russo was shot on Tuesday sometime between 7:30 a.m. and 10:3 a.m.

She also said there were cameras outside of her house, but they were removed before Castelle arrived.

Investigators ask anyone with information on the shooting to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at 702-828-3521 or via email at homicide@lvmpd.com.

Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 702-385-5555

Castelle said her family is raising money to help with the unexpected costs of Jessica’s burial and funeral services and has set up a GoFundMe account in her honor.

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