Prosecutors May Ask for Death Penalty for Las Vegas Strip Stabber

Prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty for Y.B., the man accused of a deadly stabbing spree on the Las Vegas Strip in October 2022, if he is convicted. 

The attack resulted in two deaths and six injuries. The 34-year-old is set to face charges including murder, attempted murder, battery, and terrorism.

The incident unfolded near the Wynn Las Vegas when the man allegedly approached street performers dressed as showgirls, asking them to pose for a photo while holding a foot-long kitchen knife he was trying to sell. 

When they declined and reportedly laughed, Y.B. attacked two of the performers before indiscriminately stabbing six others. 

Video footage captured the chaos before security and police subdued him.

Victims Brent Hallett, 47, of Ponoka, Alberta, and Maris DiGiovanni, 30, of Las Vegas, succumbed to their injuries. 

Survivors later clarified that the women were not laughing at the attacker but were frightened by the situation.

Y.B. reportedly told police he was trying to sell knives to fund his return to Guatemala.

Earlier that day, he had inquired about a janitor’s job at the Wynn casino and even asked a janitor to contact the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on his behalf.

Two Years in a Psych Ward

Initially deemed incompetent to stand trial, Y.B. spent two years in a psychiatric hospital before being ruled fit for trial in December 2023. 

Clark County District Court Judge Christy Craig determined he now understands the charges and can participate in his defense. 

A Clark County grand jury subsequently indicted him.

Chief Deputy District Attorney John Giordani described the man’s actions as “indiscriminate.” 

Death Review Committee Gives Green Light to Prosecutors 

Documents filed on Wednesday indicate that a death review committee has approved pursuing the death penalty, with prosecutors expected to formally announce their decision during the arraignment.

Y.B. is set to appear in court for his arraignment on grand jury charges Thursday. Prosecutors are expected to disclose the committee’s decision.

The undocumented immigrant from Guatemala has a criminal history in California. His immigration status and past have drawn political attention. 

During a rally in Nevada, Donald Trump referred to him as a “sadistic murderer” who went on a “heinous” stabbing spree and criticized sanctuary city policies for enabling his actions. Nevada has the death penalty, though executions are rare. The state’s last execution was in 2006 when Daryl Mack was put to death for a 1988 murder. If convicted, Y.B. could face the same fate.

Last August, two people were stabbed in an incident at Red Rock Casino. A casino guard shot the attacker.

In June 2024, we reported that the Billings Police Department in Montana arrested a woman believed to have stabbed a man at a local casino.