LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — In August 2022,Connie Land, mother who's daughter was killed in Las Vegas apartment, passed away.
LATEST 11/15/2016: New information that could lead to answers in an unsolved double homicide.
UPDATE: Family members and friends identified the couple who was found dead inside an apartment complex on Thursday.
Sydney Ellysse Land was just 21 years old. Her boyfriend, Nehemiah "Neo" Kauffman, was 20 years old.
Loved ones say she was never judgmental... accepting of everyone @KTNV pic.twitter.com/VuEUoflVp4
— Mahsa Saeidi (@MahsaKTNV) October 28, 2016
Detectives believe both were victims of a homicide. They were found by a friend who hadn't heard from them in a few days. It's believed the victims had been dead for at least 24 hours. Kauffman was shot. Police aren't sure how Land died.
"Everybody loved her," said sister Kendall Land. "She's so nice, so cool, so sweet, and she just had the biggest heart ever."
The 15-year-old was one of more than 100 people who gathered to remember the couple at a vigil.
Michael Buchanan was Kauffman's basketball coach.
More than a 100 friends gathered to say goodbye @KTNV pic.twitter.com/O87i0GnZ7j
— Mahsa Saeidi (@MahsaKTNV) October 28, 2016
"A good-hearted, kind-hearted kid that was funny," said Buchanan, "people gravitated towards him."
Police have not released any information regarding a motive or suspect. The friend who found the couple reportedly entered through an open door. Detectives spent many hours processing the scene.
"I miss her," Kendall said.
Sydney's mom says she loved children and helping people. @KTNV pic.twitter.com/IiI3b9v7K0
— Mahsa Saeidi (@MahsaKTNV) October 28, 2016
Sydney graduated from Centennial High School and worked at Palm restaurant. The driven young woman had big plans for the future.
Relatives said she dreamt of a career in healthcare.
Buchanan said Kauffman was passionate about basketball.
People gravitated to Neo. Friends say he had a great sense of humor. @KTNV pic.twitter.com/KbsNIvj9z8
— Mahsa Saeidi (@MahsaKTNV) October 28, 2016
"He would come out and play his butt off," said Buchanan. "He actually made varsity his freshman year."
13 Action News is still working to get in touch with Kauffman's family.
Kendall is still in shock. She's trying to remember the good times she shared with her sister.
"I hope she's up there watching over everybody," she said, "and she's safe now and in a better place."
Buchanan prays that something positive will come out of this tragedy.
"I just hope that in his death that life comes out," he said, "life in the form of love."
ORIGINAL STORY:
LAS VEGAS (KTNV) -- The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department is reporting 2 people were found dead at an apartment complex on Thursday.
It was reported around 12:39 p.m. near Hualapai and Peace ways. There is no information on their cause of death. The Clark County Coroner will reveal the victim's identity upon notification of family.
13 Action News will post updates as they become available.
