YouTuber Charged with Murder in Las Vegas Strip Shooting

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The Las Vegas Strip is known for its vibrant nightlife and iconic attractions.

News Summary

YouTuber Manuel Ruiz has been charged with murder following a shooting incident on the Las Vegas Strip that resulted in the deaths of Rodney and Tanisha Finley. The shooting occurred during a livestream, raising concerns about online feuds spilling into real-life violence. Ruiz claims self-defense, but prosecutors are considering the death penalty after evidence showed no weapons were found on the victims. The local community has rallied around the Finley family amidst this tragic event.

Las Vegas – YouTuber Manuel “Manny” Ruiz has been charged with murder following a shooting incident on the Las Vegas Strip that resulted in the deaths of Rodney Finley and his wife, Tanisha Finley. The shooting occurred on June 8, around 10:40 p.m., in front of the iconic Bellagio Fountains, where the couple was livestreaming to their YouTube channel. Ruiz, 41, is now facing two counts of open murder with a deadly weapon and is being held without bail.

According to authorities, Ruiz turned himself in to police the day after the incident and is thought to have engaged in a social media feud with Rodney Finley since at least early 2023. The police have stated that the shooting stemmed from a dispute between Ruiz and the Finleys, indicating it was not a random act of violence. Eyewitnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots, and video footage suggests Ruiz fired between five and eight rounds before the Finley’s livestream abruptly cut off.

The couple’s son called 911 upon witnessing the incident unfold online, expressing urgent concern for his parents. Many other witnesses corroborated the sound of gunfire and the tense atmosphere during the shooting. The Las Vegas Strip, known for its busy streets teeming with visitors, is generally considered a safe area, making the violent episode particularly shocking to the local community and tourists alike.

Ruiz, who also operates his own YouTube channel and was livestreaming from the Strip at the time of the incident, claimed in court that he acted in self-defense. However, this defense has been dismissed by the Clark County District Attorney, Steve Wolfson, who highlighted the absence of any weapons found on the victims. Prosecutors are currently contemplating whether to seek the death penalty for Ruiz.

In the wake of the tragedy, family members of the Finleys have voiced concerns about the escalating nature of the online feud that preceded the violence. The couple has garnered widespread sympathy from the community, with a GoFundMe campaign launched to cover funeral expenses. The campaign has raised over $16,000 towards a goal of $35,000, reflecting the community’s support during this difficult time.

Las Vegas Metro Police are seeking public assistance in gathering additional video footage of the incident to piece together the events leading up to the shooting. As the investigation continues, recordings of more than 80 minutes of 911 calls have been released, illustrating the chaos and urgency experienced during the aftermath of the shooting incident.

Ruiz is scheduled to appear in court on July 3. As the case unfolds, the impact of social media feuds on real-life violence is being closely examined, as this incident raises significant concerns over the consequences of online disputes spilling into public spaces.