LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Metro police arrested a tenant this week in connection with the August shooting death of his landlord, a killing the tenant initially described as self-defense.
Alexander Johnson, 26, faces a charge of first-degree murder for the death of Kenneth Lehman, 55, records said.
On Aug. 17, 2025, Johnson called 911, reporting that his “roommate attacked him and he had to defend himself,” documents said. A second person then called 911, saying Johnson shot Lehman.
Detectives searched the southwest valley home that the men shared with others, finding a certified letter from Johnson to Lehman regarding the termination of his lease in September. Officers also found a citation for battery that said Lehman “shoved” Alexander on Aug. 15 — two days before the shooting.
A witness told police that Lehman had reported issues with his roommate, identified as Alexander, and that Alexander planned to move out, according to documents.
After the shooting, police detained Alexander. He told them he had previous issues with another roommate who had attacked him. He added he had “no issues” with Lehman until the spring of 2025, when Lehman attempted to raise his rent.
“Shortly after the rent increase incident, [Lehman] began demanding Alexander take on more household chores,” documents said. “[Johnson] felt [Lehman] was ‘harassing’ him by constantly sending text messages asking him to clean up after himself.”
The tension escalated when Lehman received a letter from an internet provider saying Alexander was illegally downloading “South Park” episodes, documents said. Lehman then terminated Alexander’s wi-fi access.
The day of the shooting, Johnson reported to police that Lehman was deflating his motorcycle tires. Later that day, he became upset over the loudness of a TV, documents said. He told police the two began to fight and that Lehman, who police said was hard of hearing, choked him, leading to the shooting.
A search of Johnson’s electronic devices later showed he “had misrepresented the facts surrounding his alleged illegal eviction,” police said, adding Lehman had asked for an asked on his rent because he was unemployed. A review of his text messages showed “no mention of eviction or any form of retaliation if the rent was not paid early,” documents said.
Other messages included a conversation from Johnson to a friend about having a “rock solid” case against Lehman and the anticipation that he would receive a payout.
In October, detectives received results from several DNA tests, which showed Lehman’s hand had no contact with another person, which contradicted Johnson’s story. Police also did not find any sufficient evidence that Lehman had choked Alexander. Police also suspect Alexander “exaggerated” prior incidents he reported to police.
Metro police arrested Alexander on Tuesday, Jan. 13, records said. His initial appearance in Las Vegas Justice Court was scheduled for Jan. 20..