A man accused of a deadly Las Vegas Strip stabbing spree could face the death penalty, prosecutors revealed ahead of Thursday's court hearing. Yoni Barrios, 34, faces 15 charges, including murder and attempted murder, for the October 6, 2022 attacks that left two dead and six injured.

The incident began near the Wynn Las Vegas when Barrios approached street performers dressed as showgirls, asking to take their photo while holding a foot-long knife. Prosecutors say he attacked them and six others after claiming they laughed at him, though survivors later stated they were actually frightened, not laughing.

The attacks claimed the lives of Brent Hallett, 47, from Canada, and Maris DiGiovanni, 30, from Las Vegas. Initially deemed incompetent, Barrios received two years of psychiatric treatment before Clark County District Court Judge Christy Craig recently ruled him fit to stand trial.

Prior to the attacks, Barrios, an illegal immigrant from Guatemala, had attempted to secure employment at the Wynn Las Vegas. He told police he was trying to sell knives to earn money for travel back to California, where he previously worked as a stripper.

Nevada's last execution took place in 2006 when Daryl Mack was put to death for a 1988 sexual assault and murder in Reno. Prosecutors are expected to announce their decision regarding pursuing the death penalty at Thursday's hearing.

Related Articles

Previous Articles