Clarice Yamaguchi was fatally shot while returning to a mall parking garage with her husband to retrieve a face mask.
LAS VEGAS — Two men have pleaded guilty in a New Year’s Eve robbery spree that killed a Hawaii tourist at the Fashion Show mall and another man at a casino parking garage, according to court records and local reports.
Jordan Ruby, 22, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in the death of 66-year-old Clarice Yamaguchi and to one count of attempted murder. Jesani Carter, 24, pleaded guilty to 13 counts, including murder charges in the deaths of Yamaguchi and 60-year-old Hyo Sup “Richard” Um, as well as robbery-related offenses.
The pleas resolve the criminal charges without a trial nearly five years after the Dec. 31, 2021, attacks. Ruby agreed to a sentence of 35 years to life in prison, according to local reports. He is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 24. Carter is scheduled for sentencing Oct. 8, when prosecutors will argue how long he should remain in prison.
Prosecutors agreed not to seek the death penalty against Carter as part of his plea agreement. Local reporting said he faces at least 50 years in prison, although his final sentence will be determined by the court.
Yamaguchi was visiting Las Vegas from Hawaii with her husband when the couple went to the Fashion Show mall. They were walking back to their vehicle in a parking garage to retrieve a face mask when Ruby and Carter approached in a BMW, authorities said.
A passenger got out of the vehicle and demanded Yamaguchi’s purse, according to accounts of the investigation. Her husband tried to fight off the robber before a shot was fired, striking Yamaguchi. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities said the men then traveled to Sahara Las Vegas, where they attempted to rob an employee of a backpack and fired at him. The employee was not struck. The men later went to the Palace Station parking garage, where police said they robbed a woman at gunpoint.
Um was also confronted in the Palace Station garage. Authorities said his wallet was taken and he was shot. He was transported to a hospital but later died from his injuries.
Police identified Ruby and Carter as suspects after the pair fled and crashed their BMW into a tree. Both were arrested and had remained in custody while the case moved through Clark County District Court.
Prosecutors initially sought the death penalty against both men. The guilty pleas now move the case to separate sentencing hearings, where the court will formally determine their prison terms.