Former Security Guard Sentenced for Fatal Shooting

Categories: Breaking NewsCrimeGovernment NewsNews

A busy street scene outside a 7-Eleven store in Las Vegas.

News Summary

Kegia Mitchell, a former security guard, was sentenced to 14 years in prison for the fatal shooting of Thomas Martin outside a 7-Eleven. The incident, which occurred during COVID-19 restrictions, involved a confrontation leading to the shooting. In separate incidents, police are investigating another homicide and a YouTuber has been indicted for murder. Meanwhile, a fire at a shooting range caused traffic disruptions, and local youth safety remains a concern following an accident involving a scooter. Positive developments include a renovated facility for the homeless and educational achievements by a local middle school.

Las Vegas – Kegia Mitchell, a former security guard, has been sentenced to up to 14 years in prison for the fatal shooting of Thomas Martin outside a 7-Eleven convenience store. The incident occurred in August 2020, during the COVID-19 restrictions, when Mitchell was responsible for checking customers into the store. This case has drawn attention not only for the tragedy involved but also for the circumstances surrounding Martin’s confrontation with Mitchell.

The confrontation began when Martin, 56, attempted to enter the store as another customer was exiting. After a physical altercation with Mitchell, he backed away from her, which led to Mitchell shooting him once. Following the incident, Martin entered into an Alford plea agreement, which means he did not admit guilt but acknowledged that there was sufficient evidence for a conviction on charges of voluntary manslaughter with a deadly weapon and assault. Mitchell is expected to become eligible for parole after serving over five years of her sentence.

In addition to Mitchell’s case, Las Vegas police are currently investigating a separate homicide that occurred around 12:30 AM on Wednesday. This incident took place near Russell Road and Buffalo Drive, where a man was shot multiple times in a garage, with police reporting that over 30 rounds were fired during the incident. Despite the heavy gunfire, the victim was the only person injured, and investigators are actively seeking suspects linked to a white Dodge Charger seen in the area prior to the shooting.

This week also saw the indictment of YouTuber Manuel “Manny” Ruiz in connection with the shooting deaths of two content creators during a live stream on June 8 on the Las Vegas Strip. Ruiz faces two felony counts of murder, accompanied by charges related to the use of a deadly weapon. The situation reportedly stemmed from an ongoing online feud with the victims. Ruiz turned himself into authorities the day after the incident, claiming he acted in self-defense.

On a different note, a two-alarm fire erupted at Battlefield Vegas, a shooting range business, prompting a significant response from fire crews, including approximately 63 personnel. The blaze led to traffic disruptions on Sammy Davis Jr. Drive as emergency services worked to bring the fire under control. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

In other local news, a teenager named Emmanuel Lizaola suffered life-threatening injuries in a vehicle-versus-scooter crash just before his 15th birthday, raising concerns about safety for young travelers. Meanwhile, uncertainty looms over more than $60 million in federal grants allocated for Nevada schools following a recent memo from the U.S. Department of Education, leaving educators and students anxious about funding.

On a positive note, Clark County has successfully renovated an old motel, turning it into a 70-bed facility that serves as an intake center for individuals in need. This facility allows residents to stay for up to a month, offering a temporary refuge for those facing homelessness. Additionally, Rogich Middle School has claimed the Superintendent’s Cup, a recognition earned through excellence in both athletics and academics, showcasing the commitment to education and student success within the community.