Cliven Bundy’s attorney Bret Whipple talks about the prospect of a mistrial for four main defendants, including lifelong rancher Bundy, in the Bunkerville standoff case. (Bizuayehu Tesfaye/Las Vegas Review-Journal)
1. 2 men were acquitted of all charges in the Bunkerville standoff case yesterday, avoiding decades in federal prison. Ricky Lovelien and Steven Stewart were acquitted of all 10 counts they faced, while jurors reached a split decision for 2 others. Jurors deliberated for a little more than three days before reaching the decision.
2. Ever wondered why you can’t play the Powerball in Nevada? The answer is simple: the gaming industry in Nevada doesn’t want the competition. A prohibition on the state lottery was placed in Nevada’s constitution at statehood in 1864. So, if you’re looking to cash in on the $700 million up for grabs with the Powerball, you’ll have to continue driving to California.
3. Good news burger fans. In-N-Out and Shake Shack have both announced additional locations in the Las Vegas Valley. In-N-Out will open a location on Sahara and Hualapai, and Flamingo and Sandhill. Shake Shack will be opening its fifth location in Southern Nevada at Las Vegas Premium Outlets North near downtown. Both franchises are expected to open their new locations next year. (Rochelle Richards/Las Vegas Review-Journal)
1. Officers identified a teenage suspect, De’Mario Lofton-Robinson, in the death of a CSN nursing student. Lofton-Robinson, 18, was arrested Thursday on multiple charges, including murder with a deadly weapon. Police say Gabriel George Valenzuela pulled into his driveway and checked his mail before getting into a confrontation with four men. He was shot at least 3 times in his driveway.
2. A federal judge cut a defendant’s testimony short in the middle of his Bunkerville standoff retrial. Before starting the trial, U.S. District Judge Gloria Navarro barred the defense from referencing constitutional rights to assemble or bear arms and prosecutors objected to Eric Parker’s reference to a sniper being involved in the standoff. The court said Parker violated a court order in his testimony.
3. A naked man shot by police last Saturday had $30,000 with him. Court documents show that Jason Funke had donated to the Life Spring Christian Church before and police found the money with his clothing in the church doorway. Police say Funke appeared to be meditating outside the church when he approached police and then fled to retrieve a gun left on the ground.
Cliven Bundy says Sheriff Gillespie needs to protect his rights