Las Vegas YouTuber Charged with Double Murder After Livestream Shooting
A Shocking Incident on the Las Vegas Strip
In a harrowing incident that unfolded on Sunday, a Las Vegas YouTuber has been charged with two counts of murder following the fatal shooting of a rival content creator and his wife. The violence occurred on a bustling sidewalk on the Las Vegas Strip and was broadcast live, drawing attention from shocked viewers.
Identities and Background
Manuel Ruiz, 41, stands accused of killing 44-year-old Rodney Finley and his wife, 43-year-old Tanisha Finley. Police report that Manuel claimed self-defense, suggesting he believed the couple was armed and threatening his life. However, law enforcement officials have stated that neither of the Finleys was carrying a weapon at the time of the shooting.
Ruiz’s account alleges that he felt threatened when Tanisha approached him "dancing in his face," while Rodney reportedly reached for his waistband and said, "What up cuz?" Moments later, Ruiz opened fire, hitting both victims in the head. He fled the scene, disposing of his clothing and firearm en route to a friend’s house.
Livestreamed Feud
Eyewitnesses and other content creators have revealed that tension between Ruiz and Finley had been escalating since early 2023. Viewers of Ruiz’s livestream reportedly witnessed the shooting unfold, including scenes of Ruiz drawing his weapon. One bystander described seeing the “muzzle flash” and hearing several gunshots, noting that Tanisha appeared to grab the camera shortly before the final shots were fired.
“The animosity between them had been brewing for months,” said a fellow YouTuber familiar with the rivalry. Ruiz had alleged that Finley was stealing his viewership, leading to demands that Finley refrain from filming in certain locations.
Previous Altercations
This isn’t the first recorded confrontation between the two; reports indicate that two years prior, Ruiz had pepper-sprayed Tanisha during a heated exchange. Derek Ware, a friend of the Finleys, expressed disbelief at the violent outcome, stating that Rodney had generally been composed and calm.
Ruiz is currently being held without bail as the investigation continues. As the Las Vegas community grapples with the shocking nature of the crime, the case has raised questions about the intersection of social media feuds and real-life consequences.
Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.
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Bio: Marcus is a community-based journalist passionate about reporting impactful stories that matter most to readers.