Article Date: October 29, 2024, 01:55h.
Last Updated on: October 29, 2024, 01:56h.
A jury in Las Vegas convicted Julius Trotter onTuesday for the murders of two Vietnamese tour leaders at Circus Circus hotel room six years ago, potentially facing the death penalty.
Sang Boi Nghia and Khuong Ba Le Nguyen were discovered stabbed to death in their room at Circus Circus on June 1, 2018. Trotter was identified as a suspect from the casino’s security footage and arrested days later in Chino, Calif. after a police pursuit.
Prosecutors believe Trotter was engaged in “door pushing,” where criminals roam hotel hallways searching for unlocked doors. The latch plate on the victims’ door was broken, making it unable to close properly.
The case prompted concerns about hotel security in Las Vegas, highlighting the vulnerability of hotel corridors compared to the heavily surveilled casino floors.
As Casino.org reported, door-pushing is a common practice in the city and has raised security questions regarding hotel safety.
After leaving Circus Circus, Trotter was seen depositing cash at an ATM before gambling at the Palms. Police found the victims’ belongings in his possession, including a backpack, purse, and watch.
Traces of the victims’ blood and Trotter’s DNA were found on a pair of sneakers matching those worn by the suspect on the night of the crime.
Trotter claimed he received the stolen items from a friend who sold stolen goods and provided him with the bloodied shoes as Trotter was known to deal with sneakers.
Jurors will now deliberate on whether Trotter, who testified his innocence, should be sentenced to death for the murders.