A federal judge has overturned the conviction of Ronald Mortensen, a former Las Vegas police officer convicted of murder in connection with an off-duty killing that occurred almost 30 years ago.
In a Monday order, Senior U.S. District Judge Kent Dawson said the conviction of Mortensen in Clark County District Court is vacated and that Mortensen must receive a new trial.
Mortensen, who was sentenced to life without parole, maintained his innocence in a recent phone interview with the Las Vegas Review-Journal for a story about police prosecutions in Las Vegas.
In December 1996, Mortensen and another off-duty Metro officer, Christopher Brady, celebrated Mortensen’s birthday and drank heavily, according to prior Review-Journal coverage.
They drove to McKellar Circle, located in a Hispanic neighborhood near Paradise and Flamingo roads, and, Brady alleged, Mortensen shot a gun from the pickup they were in, killing Daniel Mendoza, 21. Mortensen claimed it was Brady who committed the shooting.
Mortensen was convicted of murder at trial and sentenced to life in prison without parole. Brady admitted to violating the civil rights of Hispanics and was sentenced to nine years in prison.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Contact Noble Brigham at nbrigham@reviewjournal.com.
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