Donald Harris known as” JJ” was a loved resident of downtown Las Vegas for over 20 years. He was an entertainer with a heart of gold. I knew him personally for nine years. During the time I knew him, I never heard him say an unkind word to anyone. .
JJ died on the morning of July 5th around two o'clock in the morning. Blake Valbracht surrendered to police admitted to fighting with the deceased at the scene. He was arrested and placed in Clark County Detention Center to face murder charges. Blake is a former resident of Chillicothe an area of Livingston County, Missouri. He is the son of Livingston County 43rd District Associate Judge James Valbracht.
An eyewitness in the courtroom reports Blake was released on July 11, 2013. The coroner failed to give a cause of death rendering prosecutors unable to prove Valbracht was responsible for JJ's demise. Valbracht was released without bond, after prosecutors failed to file charges.
According to KMZU 100FM the prosecutor has 50 days to file charges. Possible murder charges are still under review by the screening department. At this time charges have not been approved nor denied.
I read numerous articles on the unidentified security guard. I have posted links to the articles relating to this case on the the Donald "JJ" Harris memorial website. I wanted to address what the other articles failed to report.
1. JJ was far from unknown; he was known and loved by many. JJ was known for his kindness and concern for others. He was always thoughtful and willing to help anyone.
2. The News 3 article linked on the memorial website states it is unknown why the men were fighting. JJ was the courtesy patrol officer at City Center Apartments. He made hourly rounds at the apartment complex. It was 2AM; Valbracht who was not a resident was in the area between the garage exit and the rear entrance. It was JJ's responsibility to ask Valbracht to leave the property. He was doing his job; more important he was following his heart and protecting the residents of City Center Apartments.
3. In nine years of residency at City Center, JJ had no history of fighting or being anything but courteous, even when asking people to leave the property he used reason and remained unthreatening. If he thought there was danger to the tenants he was there to help.
4. JJ was loved by those who knew him. We in the community are in the process of putting together a community event. Once we have a Formal Trust and bank account for Nancy his partner of 23 years we will proceed with the event. His presence will be greatly missed.
We now have a website and Facebook page for those in support of JJ.
Website:
http://donaldjjharrismemorial.webs.com/
Facebook:
In Loving memory of Donald “JJ” Harris
Video coming soon – Thanks for reading – God Bless
