Echoes in the Dark: Two Haunting Halloween Cold Cases from Las Vegas

1. The Tragedy of Tony Bagley — Halloween Night, 1994

On October 31, 1994, seven‑year‑old Tony Bagley went trick‑or‑treating in North Las Vegas wearing a skeleton costume. At around 6:15 p.m., while walking with his mother, aunt, and sister, a hooded man suddenly opened fire—with Tony struck in the head. He died the next day. His mother, aunt, and sister survived gunshot wounds.

The shooter fled in a light‑colored sedan, possibly a Ford Taurus or Chevy Celebrity, with headlights off.  Investigators noted the assailant was African American, roughly 5′8″, wearing dark clothing.

Theories emerged that the shooting may have been retribution tied to Tony’s father, later convicted of murder in an apparent drug‑related dispute. Notably, Tony’s father matched the same height description and rode in a fleeing passenger car in his later crime—but authorities never secured enough evidence to link him.  Despite a $100,000 reward and national TV exposure, no arrest was ever made.

This case remains unsolved nearly 30 years later—and families still hope for closure.




2. Graciela Gomez — Halloween Party Shooting, 2021

On October 31, 2021, a Halloween house party held in Las Vegas turned deadly. A group denied entry after failing to comply with a pat‑down request drove by the residence and opened fire. A 22-year-old woman, Graciela Gomez, was killed. Two others were wounded.  Graciela was a data entry specialist for the Southern Nevada Health District and a corporal in the Nevada Army National Guard.

Police later released surveillance footage of the drive‑by in hopes someone would come forward. The case remains unsolved as of late 2022, and investigators continue urging anyone with information to reach out.




Why These Cases Matter for Halloween True-Crime

Unsettling Timing: Both attacks happened on Halloween—an evening associated with festivity and safety through tradition. Their interference cuts deeply into the communal sense of security.

Witnesses, But No Closure: Despite surviving witnesses and physical evidence in both cases, nothing led to charges—highlighting the challenge unsolved crimes pose even with modern policing.

Missed Forensic Opportunities: The dominant victims had names, backstories, and reachable communities. Yet, both cases echo a chilling pattern: even now, forensic breakthroughs have not unraveled them.





What Modern Forensics Could Help Reveal

DNA and Genetic Genealogy: Even years later, preserved evidence (bullets, clothes, surveillance) can yield genetic leads, as with many cold cases reopened via genealogy.

Digital & Video Evidence Analysis: Party footage or traffic cameras may hold clues still waiting to be mined with contemporary zoom enhancement and AI tools.

Community Outreach: Renewed public attention—especially anniversaries—often spurns memory jogs or new tips. Combining digital footprint analysis with crowd-sourced leads might unlock new angles.





What You Can Do

Spread Awareness: Sharing these cases on local forums or social media can bring new eyes to them—especially during Halloween, when remembrance has emotional resonance.

Encourage Review: Push for re-examination of physical and digital evidence with modern technology and cross-jurisdictional collaboration.

Support Victim Advocacy: Families often welcome attention—not just for answers, but as validation their loved ones are not forgotten.