LAS VEGAS, NV – A man from Pennsylvania, previously targeted in a murder-for-hire scheme, was apprehended by police in a Las Vegas casino Tuesday. This follows the discovery of his 26-year-old wife’s body in their shared home. Authorities suspect the man was planning to flee the country.
The 55-year-old Arthur Eugene Guty Jr. has been charged with criminal homicide and aggravated assault in connection to the death of Franyerlys Nicold “Nicole” Zambrano Briceno. She died from a gunshot to a vital body part, officials reported.
Zambrano’s co-workers from her job at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Farmington, PA reported her missing on December 24, after several absences from work. An investigation into her disappearance was called for when police, during a welfare check at her residence, could not establish contact.
Upon further inquiry supported by forensic evidence and technology, a search warrant for the home was granted, allowing for the discovery of Briceno’s body on Monday in a bedroom. A .357 Magnum revolver was later found in a separate room.
Suspicion quickly fell on Guty, who based on his inconsistent explanation about his wife’s whereabouts, was named the first and unique suspect in the case, leading to an arrest warrant issued on Monday.
In the days before Zambrano was determined missing, Guty had told neighbors that the couple was setting off on a cross-country road trip. Yet on December 20, Guty’s whereabouts were unknown.
Guty’s arrest took place at the Mardi Gras Hotel and Casino while he was having breakfast. At the time of his capture, he had around $100,000 in cash in his possession, leading officials to believe he had plans to leave the US.
Notably, Guty’s earlier marriage also involved violence. His then-wife attempted in 2019 to hire a hitman to kill him. His ex-wife, Roxanne Guty, offered a share of a $50,000 life insurance policy in exchange for the hit job. Consequently, she was arrested and currently serving a prison sentence.