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LAS VEGAS -- Prosecutors were given more time yesterday to file formal charges against the man accused of killing a Maui woman when he fired shots during a struggle with security guards at Harrah's hotel-casino. Charges pending in
fatal shooting of Maui
woman in Las VegasAssociated Press
Stephen Mullen, 32, made a brief appearance yesterday in Justice Court. He is facing possible charges of murder and assault following Friday's shooting that also injured a security guard.
Justice of the Peace Deborah Lippis gave prosecutors until Sept. 18 to file charges against Mullen.
An alleged accomplice, 31-year-old Michael Frimmel, faces lesser charges in connection with the incident. He did not appear in court.
The two men were approached by Harrah's security guards about 1:20 a.m. Friday after being recognized as suspects in a number of petty thefts from gamblers. Mullen tried to run but was tackled by several security guards. Police say he fired two shots during a struggle.
Heather M. Vitarelli, 29, was struck in the back and died at the scene.
"I'd give everything to take that part back, but I can't," Mullen told KLAS Channel 8.
Vitarelli was visiting Las Vegas from Napa, Calif., where she was a college student. She grew up on Maui, where she had planned to return upon graduating from college.
Frank Willis, a 43-year-old security guard, was hit in the stomach with the second bullet. He has since been released from University Medical Center.
Mullen and Frimmel have been described as drifters with a history of petty-crime convictions.
Mullen told the TV station that if he is convicted, he would rather be sentenced to death than spend the rest of his life in prison.