LAS VEGAS, NV – A former wrestling star and one-time political candidate, Daniel Rodimer, 45, turned himself in to Nevada police after an arrest warrant was issued in connection with the death of a man at a Las Vegas Strip hotel last year. His victim, Chris Tapp, 47, had infamously been acquitted after serving two decades for a murder he did not commit.
The incident occurred on October 29. Tapp was found injured at the hotel, later succumbing to his injuries in a hospital. Las Vegas Metropolitan police allege that Tapp’s injuries resulted from an altercation in one of the resort rooms. Subsequently, the Clark County Coroner’s Office ruled Tapp’s death a homicide by blunt force trauma to the head.
Reports outlining the events leading to the assault describe Tapp’s alleged offering of cocaine to Rodimer’s stepdaughter, resulting in Rodimer’s violent reaction.
Rodimer’s attorneys, David Chesnoff and Richard Schonfeld confirmed that their client was voluntarily surrendering to authorities and intended to post bail. They emphasized Rodimer’s intent to contest the allegations and requested respect for the presumption of innocence.
In 2020, Rodimer, a Republican, contested the congressional seat in Nevada’s District 3 against Democrat Susie Lee, losing by around 13,000 votes.
After moving to Texas, Rodimer vied for a seat in a special congressional election in 2021 following the death of Republican Ron Wright from COVID-19. However, Rodimer managed to secure less than 3% of the accumulated votes.