Man Sentenced for Stabbing Tourist on Las Vegas Bus

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Enhanced security measures for public transportation in Las Vegas.

News Summary

Devinski Tunggadewa has been sentenced to a prison term of 8 to 36 years for the stabbing of California tourist Joseph Lopez on a Las Vegas bus. The attack, which occurred during erratic behavior, resulted in Lopez suffering over 27 stab wounds. Tunggadewa is also facing charges for multiple stabbings involving other victims, prompting concerns about public safety on transportation. The Regional Transportation Commission has increased safety measures, including the deployment of armed guards to protect passengers.

Las Vegas – Devinski Tunggadewa, a 27-year-old man, has been sentenced to a prison term ranging from 8 to 36 years for stabbing a tourist multiple times on a city bus. The ruling was made by Clark County District Court Judge Ron Israel as part of a plea agreement reached earlier this year.

The brutal incident occurred on June 20, 2024, when Tunggadewa attacked Joseph Lopez, a tourist from California, with a knife. Lopez sustained over 27 stab wounds during the assault. Video footage of the attack revealed Tunggadewa exhibiting erratic behavior prior to the stabbing, including talking to himself and brandishing the knife.

In addition to the stabbing of Lopez, Tunggadewa is also facing serious charges for two separate stabbings involving different victims on another bus. Those incidents took place near Fremont Street after Tunggadewa reacted violently to accusations of spitting on the bus floor, resulting in injuries to both men, including facial wounds.

Furthering the alarming pattern of violence, Tunggadewa approached an employee at Circa Resort & Casino shortly after the bus incidents. The casino employee noticed that Tunggadewa’s hands were covered in blood, and Tunggadewa proceeded to strike the employee in the head before fleeing the area.

As a result of the alarming rise in violent behavior associated with Tunggadewa, the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Southern Nevada has taken significant measures to enhance safety on public transport. These measures include deploying over 300 armed guards throughout the transportation system to ensure passenger safety and to deter future incidents.

Lopez has also initiated legal action against the RTC, filing a lawsuit related to his stabbing incident that took place on the public transportation system.

Under the terms of his sentencing, Tunggadewa will be eligible for parole as early as 2032, due to receiving credit for the time he has already served. His guilty pleas this year to charges including attempted murder and battery were essential in reaching the plea agreement.

The violent events have sparked discussions about the safety of public transportation in Las Vegas, emphasizing the need for ongoing security improvements and better mental health resources for those who may exhibit dangerous behavior.

Residents and frequent travelers in the area hope that these changes will effectively diminish the likelihood of similar attacks in the future and create a safer environment for all passengers.