A deeply disturbing case out of North Las Vegas has led to a lengthy prison sentence for 23-year-old Leo’oolo Tevaseu, who admitted to killing his 2-year-old niece during a moment of frustration.
What Happened
The tragic incident took place on April 18, 2024, inside an apartment on Mercury Street. Tevaseu had been babysitting his sister’s children while she was out running errands.
Around 11 a.m., emergency responders arrived after receiving a report of a toddler who was not breathing. The child, identified as Fofogafeta Maluia Fields, was found unresponsive and without a pulse.
She was rushed to University Medical Center Hospital, where doctors later declared her dead.
Lies, Changing Stories, and the Truth
Initially, Tevaseu told police the child had suddenly collapsed and that he had no idea what caused it. He claimed he attempted CPR after calling the girl’s mother.
But investigators quickly found inconsistencies.
Over time, his story changed multiple times:
- He claimed the child was sick and fell
- Then said he slapped her and hit her with a pillow
- Finally, he admitted the truth
In his final confession, Tevaseu revealed that the toddler wouldn’t stop crying. In frustration, he:
- Slapped her
- Hit her with a pillow
- Picked her up and held her like a baby
- Covered her mouth with his hand for about 30 seconds
He described that she was “huffing and puffing” before becoming unresponsive.
Attempt to Cover Up
After realizing the child was not breathing, he:
- Tried giving her water
- Performed CPR for several minutes
- Called the mother with a false story
Authorities later confirmed the child had no prior medical conditions and was completely healthy.
Court Decision
In January 2026, Tevaseu pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. Last week, Tierra Jones of the Eighth Judicial District Court formally sentenced him to:
10 to 25 years in state prison
A Preventable Tragedy
The victim’s mother told police that Tevaseu was her primary childcare support while she worked night shifts. She also mentioned he “sometimes gets frustrated with the girls.”
What should have been a safe environment turned into a fatal situation — one driven by anger and loss of control.
Final Thought
This case highlights how moments of unchecked frustration can lead to irreversible consequences. A child’s life was lost in seconds — a tragedy that could have been prevented.
