Legal Challenges Loom in Kentre Baker Wrongful Death Case

The mother of 3-year-aged Kentre Baker, Raneka Pate, is pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit against the Las Vegas Metro Police Department following the tragic events of February 3, 2026. The case centers around a domestic incident that resulted in the deaths of both Kentre and his father, Quinton Baker, and is already facing scrutiny regarding timing and evidence.

Timeline of Events

On February 3, 2026, Las Vegas Metro Police responded to a domestic disturbance call at an apartment complex in the 8400 block of South Maryland Parkway. Initial reports indicated a battery and attempted child abduction . Upon arrival, officers learned that Quinton Baker had discharged a firearm in the parking lot. The situation escalated when Baker emerged from the apartment holding Kentre at gunpoint.

Conflicting Accounts and Legal Scrutiny

According to police, Quinton Baker was pointing a gun at his son when officers opened fire, resulting in both their deaths . While, Raneka Pate disputes this account, claiming officers did not adequately listen to her warnings and acted rashly. She alleges she was “held hostage, locked in the back of a police car, and watched them execute my son’s dad and my son without a warrant” .

Expert Legal Opinion

Joseph Gersten, an attorney with The Gersten Law Firm not involved in the case, suggests it may be premature to file a wrongful death suit. “I don’t think we have enough information yet to make any claims. It is very early…I don’t think there is enough to make this decision,” Gersten stated . He believes police acted effectively given the circumstances and emphasized the need to gather comprehensive evidence, including ballistics reports, forensic analysis, surveillance footage, and body camera recordings.

Investigation and Evidence Gathering

Pate’s attorneys are preparing to file a complaint against LVMPD. Gersten notes the extensive evidence review required, stating, “We’ve got to wait for ballistics, forensic…they are going to pull all of the surveillance cameras…they are going to pull all of the phone records…they are going to put together all of the body cam.”

Developing Situation

Kentré Baker’s funeral was held on Saturday, February 28, 2026 . The case remains under investigation, and the outcome of the potential lawsuit is uncertain. The family seeks justice and a full accounting of the events that led to the tragic loss of Kentre Baker.