Tanisha Finley and Rodney Finley, Husband and Wife, Fatally Shot in Livestreamed Las Vegas Strip Attack — Long-Running Feud Turns Deadly Near Bellagio Fountains as Suspect Turns Himself In

LAS VEGAS, NV — In a tragedy that has shocked the nation and raised disturbing questions about online conflict, public safety, and the role of social media in escalating real-world violence, a married couple was gunned down on the Las Vegas Strip during a livestream near the world-famous Bellagio fountains. Authorities have identified the victims as 43-year-old Tanisha Finley and 44-year-old Rodney Finley, a well-known couple in the local livestreaming community who were documenting their evening on the Strip when they were ambushed and fatally shot.

According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, the double homicide occurred Sunday night in full view of not only nearby tourists and bystanders but also viewers watching the couple’s YouTube livestream. The shooter, identified as 41-year-old Manuel D. Ruiz, an online content creator who used the alias “Sin City Manny,” approached the couple during their broadcast and opened fire at close range.

The brazen and horrific nature of the attack, which was captured on camera and witnessed in real time by fans and followers, has left Las Vegas residents and the broader online community in mourning and disbelief.

A Night Turned Nightmare

The fatal incident occurred in one of the most iconic and crowded sections of the Las Vegas Strip, a place normally known for its vibrant lights, music, and celebratory atmosphere. It was just past 9:00 p.m. on Sunday evening when the couple began streaming their outing, as they had done many times before. According to witnesses and video footage now in the hands of investigators, the couple was interacting with viewers, commenting on the weather, street performers, and casino foot traffic, when the situation suddenly took a dark and violent turn.

In the livestream, the couple appears to notice Ruiz before he steps fully into frame. What was initially an exchange of words rapidly devolved into a confrontation. Viewers described hearing raised voices before Ruiz is seen pulling a handgun from his waistband and firing multiple shots at the couple.

Screams from the couple, followed by the sounds of gunfire and chaos on the Strip, marked the last moments of the broadcast. Emergency responders were called immediately by stunned bystanders, but by the time paramedics arrived on the scene, both victims were suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite lifesaving efforts, they were pronounced dead at the scene.

A Feud with Deadly Consequences

The arrest report and accompanying statements from law enforcement paint a picture of an increasingly toxic and volatile relationship between the shooter and the victims. Ruiz, also known by his online handle “Sin City Manny,” reportedly had a history of online disputes with the Finleys dating back to early 2023. The feud played out across social media platforms—particularly YouTube and Instagram—where both parties posted contentious content, traded accusations, and frequently responded to each other’s livestreams and comments.

What began as online rivalry and verbal sparring escalated over time into something more personal and bitter. Followers of both channels noted the hostile back-and-forth, with some claiming the conflict was starting to spiral out of control in recent weeks. The feud reportedly included allegations of harassment, doxxing, and personal threats, though the full extent of the digital hostility remains under investigation.

Investigators believe that Ruiz planned the attack and deliberately targeted the couple while they were streaming. Police sources said that Ruiz had been monitoring their content and movements and used the livestream’s GPS-tagged location to locate them in real time.

“This wasn’t a random act,” said one Las Vegas police official familiar with the case. “This was a premeditated confrontation fueled by online animosity that escalated into a real-world tragedy.”

Suspect Surrenders After Overnight Manhunt

Following the shooting, Ruiz fled the scene on foot, prompting an overnight manhunt by local law enforcement. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department launched a multi-agency search operation, scouring surveillance footage from nearby casinos, hotels, and traffic cameras. Just hours later, however, Ruiz walked into a police station and turned himself in.

He was immediately taken into custody and charged with two counts of open murder with a deadly weapon. During initial questioning, Ruiz reportedly admitted to the shooting, but his legal team has not yet commented on whether he will claim self-defense or mental instability.

As of this report, Ruiz remains in custody at the Clark County Detention Center without bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled in the coming days, and prosecutors are expected to pursue the case aggressively, citing the public and brutal nature of the killings.

Online Communities Grapple with the Aftermath

The reaction to the tragedy has been swift and overwhelming across social media platforms. The couple, known for their lively content, city walkthroughs, and behind-the-scenes looks at Las Vegas nightlife, had developed a following that extended well beyond Nevada. Their supporters have flooded their comment sections with tributes, heartbreak, and outrage.

Some users have reposted clips from the final livestream, though others have urged caution and sensitivity, calling for the removal of such graphic content out of respect for the victims and their families.

“We watched them every week. They brought so much joy,” wrote one fan. “They didn’t deserve this. No one does.”

Creators from across the YouTube and livestreaming world have issued statements condemning the violence and calling for a serious reckoning about the nature of digital conflicts.

“This tragedy is proof that online drama can become dangerously real,” said one prominent content creator. “There needs to be accountability, protection, and mental health support in this space.”

Las Vegas Reacts to Public Violence

Local officials and residents of Las Vegas have also expressed deep concern over the incident. Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman issued a statement condemning the violence and pledging support for a thorough investigation.

“This is a heartbreaking reminder of the growing intersection between online behavior and real-life consequences,” the mayor said. “Our city mourns this senseless loss of life, and we stand united in support of the victims’ families and the broader community affected by this tragedy.”

The Las Vegas Strip, one of the most famous public gathering spots in the world, is no stranger to occasional outbursts of violence, but this livestreamed double homicide has raised serious questions about the safety of high-traffic areas and the need for increased security monitoring during peak hours.

Tourism officials said they are working with local law enforcement to review existing safety protocols and explore new strategies for public safety, including potentially deploying additional undercover officers, upgrading surveillance systems, and implementing quicker response coordination for incidents involving known online threats.

Mental Health, Accountability, and Digital Safety

As authorities work to determine exactly how and why this violent feud spiraled into murder, experts are pointing to a broader issue: the growing intensity of online conflict and the need for intervention strategies before such disputes erupt into real-world harm.

“There is a psychological toll to being immersed in digital conflict,” said one behavioral psychologist specializing in online interactions. “When people start to see content creators as enemies or threats to their identity or reputation, they can begin to justify increasingly dangerous responses.”

There is also a call for social media platforms to play a more active role in identifying and de-escalating toxic interactions between users. Some suggest that AI-based monitoring tools could detect the warning signs of serious disputes—such as threats, repeated confrontations, or inflammatory language—and flag them for review or intervention.

Honoring Two Lives Lost Too Soon

As the investigation unfolds, friends and family of the victims are left to pick up the pieces and remember the lives that were lost. The couple was known not just for their digital presence, but also for their contributions to their community—helping to promote small local businesses, raising awareness about Las Vegas charities, and offering mentorship to young content creators.

Plans for a memorial service are underway, and fans are already organizing virtual vigils and tribute streams to honor the couple’s memory.

In one particularly poignant video clip shared by supporters, the couple is seen standing in front of the Bellagio fountains just weeks before the tragedy, laughing, smiling, and marveling at the spectacle behind them. That clip, now viewed thousands of times, serves as a heartbreaking contrast to their final moments—but also a powerful reminder of the joy they brought to so many.

If you or someone you know is experiencing online harassment, stalking, or threats, help is available. Contact the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative at cybercivilrights.org or call 1-844-878-2274 for support. If you are in immediate danger, dial 911.