Showgirls in Las Vegas are afraid to go back to work on the “Strip” after a murder spree that left two people dead and six injured last Thursday morning.
Yonni Barrios, 32, allegedly stabbed Maria DiGiovanni, a Las Vegas showgirl, and a bystander, Brent Hallet, killing them both, after asking for a photograph with the women. The showgirls were clad in their colorful, seductive costumes on the Las Vegas Sin City Strip, near Las Vegas Blvd and Sands Drive at about 11:40 in the morning.
Barrios used a large chef knife. According to a police report, he stabbed the women in order to “let the anger out.”
He then went on a rampage, erratically looking for people to stab.The suspect was seen on surveillance video entering the Wynn Casino, before he approached the showgirls, including DiGiovanni, who were outside the casino, according to the arrest report.
Barrios faces two murder charges and six attempted murder charges.
The victims were employees of Best Showgirls. Other employees of the company are saying they are afraid to go back to work.
The women are a tourist attraction, with their outlandish, sexy colorful outfits and feathered hats. People often ask them to pose for photographs outside the casinos.
The performers have been complaining for a while that the Strip is getting more dangerous and that police presence is inadequate. They say don’t get enough help from private casino security, who claim it’s not their responsibility. Sometimes their flashy costumes get them too much attention, which can be dangerous, and last Thursday proved it.
Two other women were stabbed in the back, but survived. They were identified as Victoria Cayetano and Anna Westby.
DiGiovanni was stabbed in the heart, and died at the scene in the arms of Westby. Another performer managed to escape without injury.
Police say that the suspect, Barrios, was looking for a job on the Las Vegas Strip. He is a resident of California. He said that he thought the women were making fun of him, criticizing his attire.
Barrios said he just snapped.
