According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police, 41-year-old Manuel Ruiz voluntarily surrendered to authorities and is now facing two counts of murder involving the use of a deadly weapon
A fatal clash between two rival online personalities turned ugly Sunday night on the Las Vegas Strip, killing both a well-known YouTuber and his spouse. Police say the attack, which happened in front of the Bellagio fountains, stemmed from a long-running internet dispute.
Vlogger Arrested After Double Homicide on Las Vegas Strip Streamed Live
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police report that Manuel Ruiz, 41, turned himself in to law enforcement on Monday morning. Ruiz, who goes by “SinCity-Mannywise” online now faces two charges of murder with a deadly weapon. The victims, Rodney Finley, 44, known as “Finny Da Legend,” and his wife Tanisha, 43, were livestreaming when someone shot and killed them, reported The Independent.
People who saw it happen and other streamers said the conflict started in late 2023. It began when Ruiz used pepper spray on Tanisha. Friends say Finley chose to make fun of Ruiz online instead of getting violent in response to this attack.
Video recordings and electronic proof indicate Ruiz watched the pair for more than 24 hours before he shot them. In a clip he uploaded a day before the incident happened, Ruiz seemed to make hidden threats as he drove down the Las Vegas Strip, telling Finley he would not go unnoticed in Las Vegas.
On Sunday evening, Ruiz showed up behind the two during their live video, pretending to be normal. Soon after, shots rang out. People watching the stream say they saw the gun flash and heard multiple shots. Tanisha tried to grab the phone before two more shots came and the stream cut off.
Ruiz Claims Self-Defense in Fatal Shooting, But Evidence Challenges His Story
Ruiz says he acted to defend himself. He told the court he thought Finley was going for a weapon and Tanisha held what looked like a gun. However, cops found no weapons on or near the victims. The livestream video did not seem to back up what Ruiz said. Detectives also say Ruiz tried to erase damning footage after what happened, though parts of the stream stayed available.
Cops used casino cameras to follow Ruiz from where it happened to a nearby valet area. There, he got rid of his clothes and what they thought was the murder weapon, a 9mm gun. Tests on the bullets later showed the gun matched shell casings found where it happened.
Finley had around 4,000 YouTube subscribers. He often shared his thoughts on Las Vegas live through his channel. His friends remember him as a devoted dad and a soothing influence who steered clear of physical fights.
The court denied Ruiz bail at his first appearance on Tuesday. He is set to return for another hearing on June 12. Investigators continue to work on the case.
