Scott Dennis was in line at a Las Vegas food bank when two men allegedly beat him to death after he stepped in to defend his girlfriend, who had refused to give them a cigarette, according to police.
The attack occurred outside the food bank location as captured by surveillance video, authorities said. The 60-year-old victim sustained fatal injuries during the altercation that began over the simple refusal of a cigarette.
Background
Dennis and his girlfriend were waiting in line at the Las Vegas food bank when Shiloh Leutu, 38, and an unidentified male approached the woman asking for a cigarette, according to an arrest report obtained by the Las Vegas Review-Journal and local NBC affiliate KSNV.
When she told them she didn't smoke, Leutu and his companion allegedly began accosting and ridiculing her. Dennis had stepped out of line momentarily but returned upon seeing what was unfolding, police said. He positioned himself between his girlfriend and the two men to shield her from their harassment.
Using witness statements and surveillance footage, investigators pieced together that the confrontation quickly escalated outside the food bank where Leutu and the other man began assaulting Dennis. The attackers continued striking him even as he tried to get up off the ground, authorities stated.
The Charges
Leutu was taken into custody on July 15 by Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department detectives. He has been charged with open murder and battery of an older person resulting in substantial bodily harm, according to court records reviewed by Law&Crime.
However, the Clark County District Attorney's Office elected not to pursue the open murder charge at this time. Prosecutors indicated they may amend Leutu's charges depending on the completion of the autopsy report, which remains pending.
The arrest report notes that Dennis suffered injuries during the assault and that a medical examiner who performed his autopsy stated the attack contributed to a heart attack he experienced. The official cause of death ruling is contingent upon additional forensic analysis, per law enforcement.
Leutu has claimed to detectives that Dennis initiated the violence by placing him and his companion in headlocks after hitting and kicking them first. However, surveillance footage contradicts this account, showing Leutu and the other man as the aggressors, police said. The second suspect remains at large.
Leutu made an initial court appearance Monday in Clark County District Court.
Key Takeaways
- Scott Dennis, 60, died after being beaten outside a Las Vegas food bank while defending his girlfriend from harassment over a cigarette request
- Shiloh Leutu, 38, has been charged with open murder and battery of an older person resulting in substantial bodily harm
- The Clark County DA declined to pursue the open murder charge for now pending autopsy results
- Medical examiner indicated the assault contributed to a heart attack Dennis suffered, though official ruling is still pending
- Second suspect involved in the attack remains at large as of Monday
What's Next
Leutu is expected to face additional court proceedings in Clark County District Court. The outcome of his case may depend heavily on the final autopsy report and medical examiner findings regarding Dennis's cause of death.
Law enforcement continues searching for the second suspect who participated in the fatal assault. Investigators are reviewing additional surveillance footage and seeking witness testimony from those present at the food bank during the incident.
The district attorney's office has indicated it reserves the right to amend charges against Leutu once the autopsy report is finalized, potentially elevating penalties if the evidence supports a more serious finding.