Two men have admitted their roles in a deadly robbery spree on the Las Vegas Strip that resulted in the fatal shootings of a Hawaii tourist and another man during New Year’s Eve 2021, according to Nevada prosecutors.
Jordan Ruby, 22, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in the killing of 66-year-old Clarice Yamaguchi, while Jesani Carter, 24, pleaded guilty to the murders of both Clarice Yamaguchi and 60-year-old Hyo Sup “Richard” Um, along with multiple robbery-related offenses.
The guilty pleas were entered as the criminal case moved toward sentencing in Nevada.
Robbery Spree on One of the Busiest Days of the Year
According to prosecutors, Ruby and Carter traveled to the Las Vegas Strip on New Year’s Eve 2021, one of the busiest days of the year, with the intention of committing robberies for money.
Court proceedings revealed that the pair allegedly carried out several robberies at casinos and the Fashion Show Mall before the fatal shootings occurred.
Authorities said the suspects used a BMW during the crime spree as they moved from one location to another.
Hawaii Couple Visiting Las Vegas
One of the victims, Clarice Yamaguchi, was visiting Las Vegas from Hawaii with her husband for vacation.
According to prosecutors, the couple had been shopping at the Fashion Show Mall and were walking through the parking garage back toward their vehicle.
They were reportedly returning to the car so Yamaguchi could retrieve a face mask before continuing their outing.
Armed Robbery Turned Deadly
Investigators said the suspects drove into the parking garage in their BMW and approached the couple.
According to court records, the passenger exited the vehicle and demanded Yamaguchi’s purse.
Her husband attempted to resist the robbery and struggled with the suspect.
During the confrontation, a gunshot was fired, striking Yamaguchi.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene, but the 66-year-old woman was pronounced dead.
Crime Spree Continued Across Las Vegas
Prosecutors said the suspects did not stop after the fatal shooting.
Instead, they continued driving around Las Vegas and allegedly committed additional violent crimes.
According to court testimony, Ruby and Carter later went to the Sahara Las Vegas, where they allegedly attempted to steal a backpack from an employee.
Authorities said the suspects fired shots at the employee during the attempted robbery before fleeing once again.
Second Victim Killed
The pair then traveled to the Palace Station casino.
Investigators said they first robbed a woman at gunpoint inside the parking garage.
Shortly afterward, they confronted 60-year-old Hyo Sup “Richard” Um, stole his wallet, and fatally shot him.
Police said Um died from his injuries, making him the second homicide victim linked to the robbery spree.
Arrest After BMW Crash
Authorities said the suspects fled following the second killing.
Their escape ended when the BMW they were driving crashed into a tree.
Law enforcement officers arrested both men after the crash, ending the series of robberies and shootings.
Guilty Pleas and Upcoming Sentencing
Jordan Ruby has pleaded guilty to first-degree murder for Yamaguchi’s death.
According to court proceedings, he faces a sentence ranging from 35 years to life in prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for Sept. 24.
Jesani Carter pleaded guilty to both murders as well as multiple robbery charges.
Prosecutors have agreed not to pursue the death penalty against Carter.
Instead, they will ask the court to determine the appropriate prison sentence during his scheduled Oct. 8 sentencing hearing.
Carter Previously Claimed He Was Innocent
Before reaching his plea agreement, Carter maintained his innocence following his arrest.
In a jailhouse interview shortly after being taken into custody, he claimed investigators had arrested the wrong person.
Carter insisted he had no reason to commit robberies because he considered himself a successful gambler who already owned expensive clothing and had sufficient money.
During the interview, he confidently stated that he expected to be released the following day.
However, prosecutors later secured guilty pleas tying him to both fatal shootings and the series of robberies carried out during the New Year’s Eve crime spree.
The guilty pleas conclude a case that began with a violent series of robberies on one of Las Vegas’ busiest nights, leaving two victims dead and multiple others targeted before the suspects were apprehended following their crash.
