Former Professional Wrestler Arrested in Killing of Man Acquitted of Murder
Retired Wrestler Surrenders in Nevada
A retired professional wrestler and former congressional candidate voluntarily surrendered to the authorities in Nevada on Wednesday. The surrender comes after a warrant was issued for his arrest in the killing of a man who was previously acquitted of murder. The victim, Chris Tapp, died last year from a head injury at a Las Vegas Strip hotel.
Warrant and Charges
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department issued a warrant for the arrest of 45-year-old Daniel Rodimer on a charge of open murder in Chris Tapp’s death. Tapp, who had previously served two decades in prison for a murder he did not commit, was treated on October 29, 2023, by medical personnel after being found at the hotel. Despite efforts, he later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
Alleged Altercation and Circumstances
An arrest warrant, obtained by CBS affiliate KLAS-TV, states that Rodimer allegedly became upset after Tapp offered Rodimer’s stepdaughter cocaine. Witness statements mention Rodimer’s threat towards Tapp and subsequent loud banging noises. It was also reported that text messages between Rodimer and his wife further corroborated elements of the altercation. Tapp and Rodimer were connected through the classic car and racing circuit.
Legal Defense and Investigation
Rodimer’s Las Vegas lawyers, David Chesnoff and Richard Schonfeld, released a statement assuring his cooperation with the investigation and his confidence in vigorously contesting the allegations. They emphasized the importance of presuming innocence. Detectives initiated a suspicious death investigation based on new information related to Tapp’s injuries before ruling his death a homicide caused by blunt force trauma to the head.
Political and Endorsement Background
Rodimer, a former Republican congressional candidate, challenged Democratic Representative Susie Lee for her seat in Nevada’s District 3 during the 2020 elections. He lost by around 13,000 votes. It’s worth noting that former President Donald Trump publicly endorsed Rodimer, touting his background as a professional wrestler and promising his commitment to lower taxes, improved education, more jobs, and support for law enforcement.
Legal Repercussions and Journey to Justice
Chris Tapp’s conviction for the 1996 rape and murder of Angie Dodge, despite being excluded by DNA evidence, was eventually overturned in 2019. The Innocence Project, an organization seeking to exonerate the wrongly convicted, played a crucial role in advocating for Tapp’s innocence. Despite the immense injustice he endured, Tapp’s story continues to highlight the flaws in the criminal justice system.
Further Developments and Investigation
As this investigation unfolds, further details may emerge regarding the circumstances surrounding Chris Tapp’s tragic death and the events leading up to it. Stay tuned for updates as law enforcement and legal proceedings continue.
