Two women involved in a high-speed police chase that led to the death of a 101-year-old World War II veteran in Las Vegas are claiming police brutality. Lorraine Alvarado, 34, and Cassandra Alvarez, 32, received sentences of 14 to 40 years and 10 to 30 years in prison, respectively, after evading charges related to the death of Army veteran Herbert Maskin in 2023.
“I believe it was the officers’ tactics and the excessive force that made the situation escalate,” Alvarado said in court just before her sentencing. She added, “If the police had called off the pursuit, many things could have been avoided.”
The two women robbed a sports store at gunpoint near Sahara Avenue and Decatur Boulevard, then carjacked a vehicle and attempted to escape from law enforcement.
Alvarez was speeding—a staggering 130 mph—when she crashed into Maskin’s car, which was stationary at a red light in Henderson.
After the collision, Alvarado exited the car and tried to run, but fell to the ground and aimed her firearm at the officers, who then fired 16 shots in her direction, as shown in body camera footage.
At that time, a 31-year-old man was hospitalized after being shot during the incident.
Maskin, who had been returning home from a Costco visit with his wife, was taken to the hospital and later died from aspiration pneumonia due to blunt force injuries from the crash.
Following Maskin’s passing, both women were charged with murder. During the court proceedings, their lawyers argued for an autopsy, pointing to Maskin’s death certificate, which indicated geriatric decline was a contributing factor.
Judge Michelle Leavitt did not dismiss the murder charges against the women despite their arguments.
Both Alvarado and Alvarez reached plea deals in January, admitting to lesser charges. Alvarez pleaded guilty to robbery with a deadly weapon, reckless driving resulting in serious injuries, and grand theft, while Alvarado admitted to resisting arrest, robbery with a deadly weapon, and assault.
During sentencing, Alvarez expressed her regrets nearly three years after Maskin’s death, saying, “I hope you find peace and forgiveness and leave with lighter hearts.” She added that she wants to rectify her wrongs with dignity and respect.
Alvarado, acknowledging the affected family, still maintained she wasn’t solely to blame, stating, “I didn’t kill anyone, but I know I hurt their families.”
Maskin was a U.S. Army chaplain during World War II before becoming an orthodontist, remembered fondly for providing free care to underserved patients, including children with disabilities. His son, John Maskin, reflected on the tragedy, stating, “He lived for a century but didn’t make it back from Costco. This is a heavy burden for my family to carry.”
