A man suspected of murdering two women and injuring a man at a Las Vegas convenience store and slots gaming venue was recently arrested in California.
Jason Robert Manuel, 43, was booked on double homicide charges on April 1, according to a press release issued late last week by Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Manuel is currently in Riverside County Jail in California awaiting extradition to Nevada.
The police suspect he was the shooter in a March 5 incident that resulted in the deaths of Summer Lange and Rona M. Ah-Foon, both 29.
The deadly shooting occurred at Pocket Change slots and liquor store, located near the East Tropicana and Nellis Boulevard intersection in southeast Las Vegas. Manuel is also accused of shooting another man known as Sam at the same time. That victim was married to one of the deceased. Sam escaped with minor injuries.
The Shooting and Investigation
Police believe that the suspect and victims were known to each other. Manuel and Sam had been feuding for several months over relationship troubles.
Sam told Las Vegas police that Manuel had also previously shot at him in another incident, barely missing.
Manuel was apparently known to regular customers and staff at the Pocket Change venue. Several of them identified him as the shooter to the police, despite the suspect wearing a mask.
Police say they also identified someone they suspect was Manuel riding away from the store on a bicycle directly after the shooting.
Authorities believe he then stole his wife’s Audi SUV from their home in Las Vegas and fled to California.
The Charges
Manuel was booked on two counts of open murder with use of a deadly weapon, and one count of attempted murder.
In Nevada, open murder is equivalent to a general homicide allegation covering first and second degree charges.
He is set to appear in court in California over the coming weeks. He may voluntarily return to Nevada to face trial, or alternatively, he could be formally extradited.
Manuel has prior history with the criminal justice system. He has previously been booked in California and Nevada, including charges such as aggravated mayhem and robbery.
If convicted on these latest charges of murder, Manuel could face life in prison, or even the death penalty. However, no person has been executed in Nevada since 2006, and there are currently 77 inmates on death row in the Silver State.
David is an online casino expert who specializes in online slots and boasts over 10 years experience writing about iGaming. He has written for a wide range of notable publications, including eSports Insider and WordPlay Magazine.
David graduated Derby University with a BA Degree in English Literature and Creative Writing.
