Las Vegas police confirm that married couple Tanisha Finley (43) and Rodney Finley (44) were livestreaming video on their shared YouTube channel when a gunman opened fire near the famous Bellagio fountains. Reports say that this attack happened due to an online feud that was taking place between the victims and the suspect since 2023.
The suspect ended this feud by attacking the married couple, which eventually led to their death. Both were killed instantly from multiple gunshot wounds, according to the Clark County coroner’s office. The incident being livestreamed made for credible evidence, and the suspect, Manuel, is being held without bail.
Victims Filmed Final Moments Of Shooting In Las Vegas
Investigators described the shooting, which happened on a bustling Sunday night, as “an isolated incident” between the couple and the suspect, fueled by a long-standing online feud dating back to 2023. The suspect, Manuel D. Ruiz, turned himself in at a Las Vegas-area police station Monday morning.
Manuel D. Ruiz now faces two charges of open murder with a deadly weapon. He is being held without bail, based on jail records.
He told the police that he acted in self-defence, claiming he saw a victim reaching for a weapon, although authorities found no firearms on Tanisha or Rodney.
Livestream Captures Final Seconds
According to the police report, Ruiz pulled a gun from his waistband on camera. It led to him firing “between five and six shots” before Tanisha reached for the cellphone recording their night out. The gunman fired one or two more times as she tried to stop the live stream.
“The phone fell to the ground and remained still for a moment until a police officer appeared in the camera frame and turned off the livestream.” Their son, who called 911, described the terrifying sound of gunshots.
Police captured his words in the dispatch logs: “I heard gunshots around him,” he said. “I think he might have got shot…trying to check…where he’s at.” Ruiz also claimed to have been livestreaming that night on his own YouTube channel.
The shooting took place along a heavily frequented section of the Strip. This is where the Bellagio’s dancing fountains tower up to 460 feet every 15 minutes.
Authorities have not released further details. The investigation continues. However, the chilling livestream and backdrop of the iconic fountains have turned this into one of the most disturbing shootings in Las Vegas nightlife.
