Published on: January 3, 2026, at 06:50h.
Updated on: January 3, 2026, at 06:50h.
- Driver returning from Dotty’s allegedly collided with a homeless camp, resulting in a man’s death.
- Authorities state the Honda crossed multiple lanes and left the roadway, traveling approximately 1,000 feet.
- Blood analysis four hours post-incident revealed a BAC of 0.144; toxicology results pending.
A man suspected of crashing into a homeless encampment in Las Vegas, leading to a fatality, was reportedly returning from a Dotty’s casino while significantly over the legal blood alcohol limit, according to court filings.
On December 19 at approximately 7:20 p.m., Elijah Brown, 24, lost control of his 2007 Honda Accord while headed east on Warm Springs Road in southeast Las Vegas.
The car hit the center divider, crossed several eastbound lanes, left the road, and continued for around 1,000 feet, ultimately colliding with the encampment, court documents reported.
Nicholas Sunday, aged 61, who was present in the encampment, was struck and became pinned under the vehicle. Emergency medical personnel pronounced him dead at the scene.
Law Enforcement Action
Brown, a resident of Henderson, Nevada, stayed at the scene and received treatment for minor injuries. He informed officers that he was returning from Dotty’s when he lost control of the vehicle, mentioning potential brake failure. Responding officers discovered an electronic marijuana device and a pill bottle on his person, leading them to suspect impairment.
A blood test, conducted four hours after the crash, indicated a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.144, well above Nevada’s legal limit of 0.08. Additional toxicology analyses are currently pending.
In fatal DUI incidents, blood tests are preferred over portable breath tests due to their higher accuracy and durability in court. It is common for blood testing to experience delays, as warrants are needed and tests must be done by certified medical professionals.
Nevada updated its DUI legislation on January 1, 2026, raising the maximum penalty for DUI resulting in death from 20 years to 25 years. It remains uncertain if this amendment will affect Brown’s case.
No Liability for Dotty’s
Dotty’s operates as a network of gaming taverns—generally small, community-centered establishments aimed at local patrons. They are licensed to serve alcoholic beverages and often provide complimentary drinks to gamblers.
Nevada is among the few states that lack dram shop laws, which would allow civil liability claims against establishments that serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals who subsequently cause harm.
This means typically, a casino cannot be held liable for damages caused by an adult customer once they depart the premises. An exception exists only in cases involving minors.
Brown appeared in court on December 20, where his bail was set at $100,000. He remains in custody, awaiting a preliminary hearing scheduled for January 6.