YONI BARRIOS, an illegal immigrant from Guatemala, has been sentenced to two consecutive life sentences for the brutal stabbing deaths of a Las Vegas showgirl and a Canadian tourist in October 2022. The victims, identified as BRENT ALLAN HALLETT, 47, and MARIS MAREEN DIGIOVANNI, 30, were tragically killed during a violent rampage on the Las Vegas Strip. Barrios also injured six others in the attack.
Barrios was initially deemed incompetent to stand trial and spent nearly two years in a hospital before pleading guilty to the crimes in January 2024. He was formally sentenced on Tuesday.
The deadly spree reportedly began when Barrios became enraged after a group of showgirls declined to take a photo with him. Witnesses say he then pulled out a long-bladed kitchen knife and began attacking bystanders. Barrios was apprehended minutes later outside the Wynn Hotel.
Investigations reveal that Barrios had prior criminal encounters with law enforcement in California but was never deported. In 2016, he was prosecuted in Riverside, California, for dangerous driving and operating a vehicle without a license. He paid a fine and was released back into the community. According to ICE, they were never alerted about Barrios’ immigration status during this time. In 2019, Barrios faced domestic violence charges but was never prosecuted. California, a sanctuary state, does not typically cooperate with federal immigration authorities.
The sentencing brings a measure of closure to the victims’ families, though the tragedy highlights ongoing debates about immigration enforcement and public safety.
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