LAS VEGAS, NV – A local woman, who had previously impersonated a 52-year-old man, allegedly shot and killed a man who was seated in his van in an apparently random act of violence. Kayla Alery, 27, on parole since December after an arson conviction, allegedly approached 41-year-old carpet cleaner Raul Cardoza during his break on March 26 and shot him in the neck.
Alery was found with a .45-caliber handgun in her waistband and a bag suspected to contain methamphetamine, according to police. While it has not been confirmed if Alery was under the influence of methamphetamine during the shooting, witnesses stated that the attack seemed unprovoked, as per an arrest report.
Alery’s criminal history predates the recent shooting. In September 2022, she was found attempting to set a vehicle on fire in an apartment building’s parking lot. Alery provided a middle-aged man’s identity when she was taken into custody but revealed her real identity after being taken to a hospital. A background check revealed several previous arrests.
Alery pleaded guilty to third and fourth-degree arson charges, served a 14-month sentence, and was paroled in December 2023. Following Cardoza’s death, she was charged with open murder and other felonies.
She also assaulted another inmate while waiting to be booked on her recent charges and additionally faces charges of battery by a prisoner. Alery is due back in court on Thursday for a status check.