A Las Vegas city worker voiced concerns about his safety to the human resources department months before a coworker allegedly shot and killed him, according to court documents. Brysen Kim has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Joey McLean, who was fatally shot near 7th Street and Stewart Avenue on June 12.
Following the shooting, Kim reportedly called authorities to report the incident himself. Detectives later discovered evidence of a dispute between Kim and McLean that began on February 12, 2026. Over 1,500 pages of city records, including emails and HR complaints, were released in response to a Freedom of Information Act request concerning the two employees.
The documents indicate that Kim and McLean were once friends, but by February, McLean was actively seeking a transfer to a different work location. In one request, obtained by news outlets, McLean stated the need for the city to be flexible and provide assistance, describing the situation as urgent.
The city initiated an HR investigation into McLean's complaints. Emails show managers attempting to comprehend the escalating conflict, as Kim also filed complaints against McLean. In his written complaints, Kim alleged repeated confrontations with McLean and described the work environment as "very uncomfortable and toxic." Kim accused McLean of harassment, citing incidents involving a dump truck tailgate and verbal altercations.
As the investigation progressed, McLean was placed on paid administrative leave. However, city management later concluded it had "no objection" to McLean returning to work and recommended a written reprimand. The records show that city managers allowed McLean to return to work alongside Kim, and the two employees shared 22 work shifts between March and May before the fatal shooting.
Prosecutors acknowledged the history between the two men but argued that it did not justify the deadly attack, stating that the six-month dispute with HR complaints on both sides did not support Kim's claim of self-defense.
Following McLean's death, a GoFundMe was established by his family and friends. The description on the fundraising page stated that McLean "tragically lost his life in a violent incident while at his place of employment with the City of Las Vegas." It also described him as a devoted husband and stepfather who cared deeply for his family. McLean had married his wife approximately two months prior to his death and became a stepfather to three children.