Las Vegas Influencer’s Self-Defense Claim in Live-Streamed Tragedy Shocks Internet

A deadly YouTube feud turned fatal on the Las Vegas Strip as a streamer known as Sin City Manny faces murder charges after gunning down a rival content creator and his wife during a livestreamed confrontation. The suspect claims self-defense despite video evidence showing him advancing while firing, with neither victim armed during the shocking incident that has rocked both the streaming community and Las Vegas.

Deadly YouTube Rivalry Ends in Double Murder

Manuel Ruiz, known to his followers as Sin City Manny, is facing two charges of open murder after allegedly shooting and killing a fellow YouTuber and his wife near the iconic Bellagio fountains in Las Vegas. The victims, identified as content creator Finny Da Legend (real name undisclosed) and his wife, known as Bubbly, were livestreaming when they encountered Ruiz, culminating in a confrontation that quickly escalated to gunfire.

According to police reports, the deadly encounter stemmed from a long-running social media feud involving copyright disputes and online trolling between the two streamers. Ruiz turned himself in to authorities the day after the shooting, but not before the horrific incident was captured on video, showing him advancing toward the victims while firing—footage that directly contradicts his claims of acting in self-defense.

Self-Defense Claims Challenged by Evidence

In Las Vegas court, Ruiz told police he opened fire because he believed Mr. Finley was reaching for a weapon, despite investigators confirming neither victim was armed. After shooting the husband, Ruiz claimed he then shot Mrs. Finley because he saw a “shiny black object” on her that he thought was a gun—a statement that prosecutors are challenging with video evidence showing Ruiz as the aggressor.

The Second Amendment protects Americans’ right to bear arms for self-defense, but legal experts point out that claiming self-defense requires reasonable belief of imminent danger. Mrs. Finley’s last words were captured on the livestream, where she reportedly exclaimed, “Are you f——— kidding me?” before being shot, further undermining Ruiz’s claim that she presented any threat.

Online Feuds with Real-World Consequences

Fellow content creator Marquise Wiley condemned Ruiz’s actions, stating: “What Ruiz did was unethical, it was stupid and he deserves to be in prison for the rest of [his] life.” The dispute reportedly escalated when one of Finny’s co-streamers suggested, “If anyone should be striked down, it should be Manny. That’s who needs the copyright strikes. That’s who needs the axe,” highlighting how seemingly minor online disagreements can spiral into real-world violence.

“What happened last night was a terrible act of hate and we are heartbroken for the children and families on both sides, as well as the sorrow of losing our close friends,” said Marc Sanson, a community member familiar with both streamers.

Ruiz’s channel, which had approximately 4,000 subscribers, has been removed from YouTube for violating community guidelines, and a judge has ordered him held without bail. The case underscores growing concerns about how online radicalization and disputes can manifest in violent confrontations when internet personalities bring their grievances into the real world.