LAS VEGAS (AP) — Prosecutors in Nevada have announced they intend to seek the death penalty against a man suspected of raping and killing a UNLV student.
The Review-Journal reported Tuesday that prosecutors and defense attorney Gabriel Grasso met Tuesday to discuss the case against 21-year-old Giovanni Ruiz.
Grasso says he tried to persuade prosecutors against seeking capital punishment.
Authorities say Ruiz was charged with murder, kidnapping and other charges in the death of 19-year-old Paula Davis after police found her naked in her family's van Sept. 6.
Police say Davis sent Ruiz a breakup text message the same day and investigators found a handgun missing two rounds in his home.
A medical examiner testified that there were signs indicating Davis was raped as she was dying from two gunshot wounds to the head.