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Iraq War Vet Arrested in Las Vegas Slay

Associated Press

LAS VEGAS - An Iraq veteran carrying an assault rifle on his way to buy beer killed a woman and wounded a man in a Las Vegas alley, authorities said.

Army Spc. Matthew Sepi, 20, told police he was ambushed, but officials have not been able to determine the exact circumstances of the shooting early Sunday. Sepi said he had been trained in the military that in an ambush he should engage his targets and retreat, according to police.

Sharon Jackson, 47, was killed and Kevin Ratcliff, 26, was wounded but expected to recover, authorities said. Police reported finding a 9-mm pistol and three bullet casings in the alley.

Sepi told police that he brought the assault rifle on the beer run because someone earlier had threatened him with a knife in the same alley.

Sepi's mother, Nora Sepi, said her son served in Iraq with the 4th Infantry Division, based at Fort Hood, Texas. She said he seldom spoke of combat but mentioned that he participated in gunbattles.

Nora Sepi said her son had been in contact with the Veterans Affairs Administration for help with post-traumatic stress disorder since returning home.

Sepi, of Winslow, Ariz., was not hit by gunfire. A police officer stopped him and arrested him a short time later driving an Oldsmobile.

Sepi was being held without bail pending a court appearance on murder and attempted murder charges.

Sepi was honorably discharged in May, an Army personnel official in St. Louis said. Veterans Affairs officials at the agency's regional office in Reno declined comment.