According to reports, a deadly double shooting on the Las Vegas Strip resulted from a long-standing feud between two streamers.
The victims of the tragic incident outside the Bellagio were identified by friends as 44-year-old Rodney Finley and 43-year-old Tanisha Finley.
The altercation involved fellow YouTuber Manuel Ruiz, known as Sin City Manny, who has been charged with their murders. It’s suggested that this conflict stemmed from an incident in 2023 when Ruiz claimed to have pepper-sprayed Tanisha Finley, escalating their rivalry through frequent online spats.
“This has been building for two years,” Derek Ware, a friend of Finley, told media outlets.
Video footage showed Rodney Finley live streaming from the Strip just before the shooting occurred.
Lewis, the accused, reportedly turned himself in to the police and appeared in court the following day, facing murder charges.
During his arrest, Lewis stated that he thought he saw Rodney reaching for something at his waistband and expressed concern that his rival might be armed. However, authorities found no weapons near Finley.
After the shooting, Lewis claimed he saw a “shiny black object” in Finley’s hand, prompting him to fire again.
Surveillance footage helped detectives track the suspect as he fled the scene, discarding his hat and shirt in the process.
Reportedly, the feud began in 2023 when Lewis allegedly used pepper spray on Tanisha, with their online disputes continuing from there, according to Ware.
Ware noted that Rodney was a level-headed individual, capable of controlling his emotions, something he admired about him. Finley used his platform to discuss various topics, including his rivalry with Ruiz.
Friends remember Finley fondly as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and son. They describe him as someone who always checked in on others and offered help to those in need.
Tanisha was also known for her vibrant personality and fun-loving nature, making her a person people enjoyed being around.
“It’s just tragic. What was the point of it all? Two families have been destroyed,” Ware lamented.
