The Luxor Hotel & Casino Explosion: A Sin City Murder Story

Oxygen’s True Crime series “Sin City Murders” takes a look at the 2007 events at The Luxor Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

The Luxor, known for its iconic pyramid structure and Egyptian-themed decor, was the site of a shocking incident on May 7, 2007. A devastating explosion rocked the rooftop parking garage of the property, leaving one man severely injured and ultimately leading to his tragic death.

The victim, identified as Willebaldo Dorantes Antonio, a 24-year-old employee at the Luxor outpost of Nathan’s Famous hot dogs, was found with his right hand severed and bleeding profusely from his head. His coworker and girlfriend, Caren Chali, who had been dating him for 10 months, was unharmed in the blast.

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department homicide detective Dean O’Kelley described the scene as they arrived, noting the severity of Antonio’s injuries and the presence of what appeared to be a pipe bomb. The possibility of terrorism was raised, given Las Vegas’ status as a major tourist destination, but investigators soon discovered a second bombing at a nearby tattoo shop, leading them to believe the incidents were not connected.

As detectives delved into the case, they uncovered a complex web of evidence, including a reconstructed bomb that pointed to a skilled bomb maker. Surveillance footage from the Luxor rooftop revealed a suspicious car, a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt, stopping near Antonio’s vehicle, adding another layer of intrigue to the investigation.

Through meticulous detective work and interviews, two suspects emerged: Omar Rueda-Denvers and Porfirio Duarte-Herrera. Both men were eventually arrested and charged with murder and the use of an incendiary device.

In a dramatic turn of events, Rueda-Denvers was granted a new trial in 2021 due to legal errors, leading to a renewed focus on the case.

Despite the challenges, justice was ultimately served, with Rueda-Denvers being found guilty once again and sentenced to life in prison. However, Duarte-Herrera managed to escape from a Nevada prison in September 2022, sparking a frantic manhunt that ended with his capture at a Las Vegas transit center.

The gripping saga of the Luxor Hotel & Casino bombing, filled with twists and turns, is chronicled in the “Bombing at the Luxor Casino” episode of Sin City Murders, airing on Oxygen.