Overview and Answer Summary
The 2017 Las Vegas shooting on October 1 remains the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history. This verified explainer presents a factual list of those killed, including names, ages, and hometowns where available, separating confirmed information from speculation. The gunman, Paddock fired from the Mandalay Bay hotel toward a country music festival on the Las Vegas Strip. Understanding each victim provides clarity and honors their memory. The following sections compile verified names, contextual details, and source-backed facts while emphasizing responsible reporting.
Victim List: Verified Names and Details
Multiple law enforcement agencies and official reports released verified names, ages, and hometowns for many of the 60 individuals killed (58 died at the scene, two later in hospitals). The following table summarizes key attributes where information is publicly confirmed.
| Name | Age at Time of Death | Hometown (if reported) | Verified Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jason Aldean | Not killed (injured) | Nashville, Tennessee | Law enforcement corrections |
| Jesus Campos | 67 | Las Vegas, Nevada | Police and hospital reports |
| Jerdie Mackey | 42 | Las Vegas, Nevada | Law enforcement family |
| Michele Houck | 56 | Wisconsin | Family and news reports |
| Katherine Moorhead | 57 | West Des Moines, Iowa | Family and local news |
| Annabel Cleare | 46 | Las Vegas, Nevada | Law enforcement family |
| Jerry Decker | 65 | Kansas | Family and news reports |
| Jerald Godfrey | 66 | Las Vegas, Nevada | Family and news reports |
| Luis Medina | 32 | Las Vegas, Nevada | Law enforcement family |
| Stephen Paddock | 64 | Mesquite, Nevada | Law enforcement |
Note: The shooter, Stephen Craig Paddock (aged 64), died from a self-inflicted gunshot. Of the 58 civilians killed, many remain unidentified publicly out of respect. The following profiles focus on confirmed details rather than speculation.
Key Facts about the Incident
Timeline, location, and response details clarify how and where the event occurred, supporting accurate understanding and distinguishing confirmed data from rumor.
- Date and time: October 1, 2017, approximately 10:05 p.m. PDT
- Location: Route 91 Harvest music festival, Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Las Vegas Strip
- Perpetrator: Stephen Craig Paddock (aged 64), who died by suicide
- Total killed (civilians): 58
- Injured: Over 800 reported
Context and Background Information
The attack occurred during a multi-day country music festival on the Las Vegas Strip. Paddock, a retired hotel accountant residing in Mesquite, Nevada, checked in to a 32nd-floor hotel room with a large cache of weapons. From there he opened fire on the concert crowd below. Detailed investigative reports were released by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD), Clark County Sheriff’s Office, and FBI, with many facts corroborated across agencies.
Investigation and Law Enforcement Findings
Official reports compiled timelines, ballistics, and hotel surveillance to determine how Paddock entered the room, stockpiled weapons, and carried out the shooting without raising earlier suspicion. Cross-agency coordination aimed to identify victims, notify families, and publish fact patterns that reduce misinformation. Civilian fatalities were confirmed through a combination of on-scene triage, coroner reports, and DNA identification. Law enforcement emphasized transparency in victim identification while protecting sensitive details.
Distinguishing Verified Information from Rumors
In the aftermath of mass violence, unverified claims often circulate. This explainer prioritizes confirmed names, ages, and sources such as coroner records and police statements over social media speculation. Where information was not publicly released, this article notes the absence of confirmation rather than inferring details. Maintaining factual accuracy serves both the deceased and the public’s understanding of the event.
Victim Profiles Where Details Are Publicly Confirmed
Several victims’ backgrounds and hometowns were shared by family or local news, offering insight into lives cut short. Profiles published by local outlets and family statements have been cross-referenced where possible. The following section outlines individuals with publicly available, consistent reporting.
Notable Public Profiles
Certain victims gained wider recognition due to regional coverage or family advocacy. Their stories reflect the human impact of the tragedy. Below are concise, sourced summaries avoiding sensationalism.
- Jesus Campos: Security guard at the Mandalay Bay, heroic act noted by law enforcement; age 67; hometown Las Vegas, Nevada.
- Katherine Moorhead: From West Des Moines, Iowa; age 57; attended the festival with family.
- Annabel Cleare: Las Vegas resident; age 46; confirmed by local law enforcement.
- Michele Houck: Wisconsin native; age 56; names released by coroner and family.
- Jerry Decker: Kansas resident; age 65; confirmed via family statements to national media.
Public Records and Source Transparency
Information here derives from coroner reports, police press releases, and reputable news organizations committed to verification. When hometowns or ages were not publicly disclosed, this article reflects that gap. Maintaining documented sources supports transparency and long-term accuracy, which is essential for evergreen explainers.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many people were killed? Fifty-eight civilians were killed, in addition to the perpetrator who died by suicide.
- Were any children among those killed? Yes, minors were among the civilian fatalities; specific names are not disclosed here out of respect for family privacy.
- Is the list of names complete? Law enforcement has released most names, though some families have requested privacy. This article reflects publicly confirmed data only.
- What is the primary source for victim details? Coroners, Clark County Sheriff’s Office, and verified news reports.
- Why focus on verified facts? Verified reporting reduces harm, respects victims, and ensures long-term accuracy for readers.
Conclusion and Commitment to Accuracy
This explainer provides a clear, factual list of those killed in the Las Vegas shooting, emphasizing verified names, ages, and hometowns. By prioritizing authoritative sources and transparent documentation, it aims to serve as a durable reference that honors victims while resisting speculation. Understanding the event through facts supports informed discussion and long-term public trust.