Smirking Vegas thieves sentenced for crash that killed 101-year-old WWII veteran

Lorraine Alvarado and Kassandra Alvarez blamed police for high-speed chase that led to Herbert Muskin's death

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Two women, Lorraine Alvarado and Kassandra Alvarez, were sentenced to prison for their roles in a 2023 robbery and high-speed chase in Las Vegas that resulted in the death of 101-year-old World War II veteran Herbert Muskin. The women, who smirked during their sentencing, blamed alleged police brutality for the situation spiraling out of control and leading to the fatal crash.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tragic consequences of violent crimes and the need for accountability, even when perpetrators attempt to shift blame. The death of the 101-year-old war hero has deeply impacted his family and the broader community.

The details

Alvarado, 34, and Alvarez, 32, robbed a Las Vegas sporting goods store at gunpoint and then carjacked a vehicle, leading police on a high-speed chase. Alvarez, the driver, crashed into Muskin's car, which was stopped at a red light, at speeds over 80 mph. Alvarado then attempted to flee on foot and pointed a gun at officers, who shot her 16 times. Muskin died weeks later from injuries sustained in the crash.

  • The incident occurred on March 1, 2023.
  • Alvarado and Alvarez were sentenced on February 18, 2026.

The players

Lorraine Alvarado

A 34-year-old woman who was sentenced to 14-40 years in prison for her role in the robbery and high-speed chase that led to Herbert Muskin's death.

Kassandra Alvarez

A 32-year-old woman who was sentenced to 10-30 years in prison for her role in the robbery and high-speed chase that led to Herbert Muskin's death.

Herbert Muskin

A 101-year-old World War II veteran who was killed in the crash caused by Alvarado and Alvarez's actions.

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What they’re saying

“I would like to say that it was the tactics and the brutal, excessive force that the officers used that spiraled the situation out of control.”

— Lorraine Alvarado (News 3 Las Vegas)

“A lot of things could have been prevented that night if the high-speed chase would have been called off.”

— Lorraine Alvarado (News 3 Las Vegas)

“I pray that you may have peace and forgiveness in your hearts and may you leave here with lighter spirits. Today, I want to take accountability for my actions and, with this sentence, right my wrongs with dignity and respect.”

— Kassandra Alvarez (News 3 Las Vegas)

“He survived a century of living and he did not survive a trip to Costco. That is what I have to carry. That is what my brother has to carry. That is what my daughters will carry for the rest of their lives.”

— Jon Muskin, Son of Herbert Muskin (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the devastating impact of violent crime and the need for perpetrators to take full accountability for their actions, rather than attempting to shift blame. The loss of a 101-year-old war hero has deeply affected his family and the broader community.