LAS VEGAS, NV – A teenager who fatally shot his father after being denied access to electronic devices last winter will not serve prison time, following a sentencing decision reached in Clark County last week.

Lincoln Peterson, now 16, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter with the use of a deadly weapon in the death of his father, Jeremy Peterson, 45, at their family’s home on Tampa Court. The incident, which occurred December 28, 2023, shocked residents of the west valley area and left the family reeling.

Responding officers with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department discovered Jeremy Peterson dead inside the residence. Authorities determined that the shooting occurred after a family disagreement centering on Lincoln’s use of digital devices and his recent academic performance.

The dispute reportedly escalated after Lincoln was accused by his father of circumventing restrictions placed on electronics. Tensions peaked when Lincoln’s mother physically intervened with a belt, prompting the teen to flee the confrontation, retrieve a firearm from atop a dryer, and discharge it. He later told investigators he was unaware anyone had been struck when he fired the weapon.

At the time of the shooting, Lincoln was 15 years old. The gravity of the event quickly became apparent when his sister called 911, frantically telling dispatchers that her brother had shot their father and then fled the scene. According to statements given at the hearing, she also expressed regret for not warning her parents about previous troubling behavior involving her brother and firearms.

Details emerged of a prior incident, just weeks before the shooting, in which Lincoln reportedly threatened his sister with a gun following an argument. Family members recounted ongoing conflict and mounting frustration over discipline and communication breakdowns in the months leading up to the tragedy.

During his sentencing on August 14, the teenager appeared subdued as he took full responsibility in front of Clark County District Judge Tierra Jones. Lincoln expressed remorse, insisting he never intended for the outcome to be fatal.

The judge sentenced Lincoln Peterson to five years of probation and suspended a prison term ranging between three and seven and a half years. Judge Jones cited the strong support shown by the family as a major factor in her decision for probation over incarceration.

Lincoln’s mother, Abigail Peterson, addressed the court, describing the profound loss of her husband and the conflict of pain and forgiveness brought on by her son’s actions. The victim’s daughter also voiced her support, balancing grief with a stated belief in reconciliation and the hope for healing within the family.

Under the terms of probation, Lincoln must avoid all alcohol and marijuana, comply with a strict curfew, participate in counseling, and finish his high school education or obtain a GED. Probation officers will also have access to his electronic devices and social media accounts.

The court’s decision reflects both the seriousness of the offense and the unique factors at play in the family’s struggles leading up to and following the shooting. Lincoln Peterson’s case will remain under close supervision as he works to fulfill the conditions of his probation.