Former 7-Eleven Security Guard Sentenced to Prison for Fatal Shooting Over pandemic Protocols

Las Vegas,NV – A former 7-Eleven security guard has been sentenced to five years in prison for the fatal shooting of a customer,Tommy Martin,during a dispute over COVID-19 protocols. The incident occurred at a Las Vegas 7-Eleven store in 2020.

the security guard, identified as [Mitchell’s first name not provided in the article], was found guilty of voluntary manslaughter. Prosecutors argued that she abused her authority, escalating a minor altercation into a deadly confrontation. The defense contended that Mitchell faced immense pressure enforcing pandemic guidelines at the time.

According to court testimony, the altercation began when Tommy Martin cut in line. Mitchell then reportedly initiated physical contact, grabbing Martin’s shirt. The situation escalated when Mitchell drew a firearm and placed it against Martin’s face. Martin attempted to disarm her multiple times before being shot.

Clark County prosecutors highlighted a separate incident occurring 19 days prior to Martin’s death, where Mitchell was recorded dragging a customer across the store’s parking lot. This incident was used to demonstrate a pattern of excessive force and abuse of power. Chief Deputy District Attorney Christopher Hamner emphasized that the 7-Eleven shooting was an isolated incident attributable to Mitchell’s misuse of her authority, contrasting it with the general safety of convenience store clerks during the pandemic.Judge Tierra Jones acknowledged the complexity of the case,stating that the events outside the store,referring to the prior customer dragging incident,were a significant factor in her decision.

Following the sentencing, Tommy Martin’s son, Brandon Martin, expressed his relief, stating, “JUSTICE FOR MY DAD. REST IN HEAVEN DAD WE GOT HER TODAY, IT WON’T TAKE THE PAIN AWAY OF LOSING YOU BUT AT LEAST SHE’S FINALLY GOING AWAY AFTER 5 YEARS.” He further recounted his father’s bravery, noting that his father “was not afraid of that gun, swatted it away at least 5 times.”

What legal and ethical considerations should security personnel weigh when enforcing public health mandates like mask requirements?

Las Vegas Security Guard Sentenced in Customer’s Death Over COVID Rules

The Case: A Tragic Escalation at the Fremont Hotel & Casino

In a landmark case highlighting the tensions surrounding COVID-19 protocols,a Las Vegas security guard,Bailey Colucci,was sentenced on July 10,2025,for her role in the death of Desmond Bruner at the Fremont Hotel & Casino in December 2020. the sentencing brings a close to a highly publicized trial that sparked debate about the extent of authority granted to security personnel enforcing public health mandates. The incident, initially reported as an assault, quickly became a focal point in discussions about excessive force and the implementation of COVID-19 safety measures.

the Incident & Initial Examination

Desmond Bruner, a 42-year-old California resident, was visiting Las Vegas when he was involved in an altercation wiht Bailey Colucci, a security guard at the Fremont Hotel. Reports indicate Bruner was asked to wear a mask, refused, and became verbally confrontational. Colucci, along with another security guard, attempted to escort Bruner off the property.

Witness accounts and security footage revealed a physical struggle ensued.

Colucci restrained Bruner, applying a neck restraint – a technique that ultimately led to his death.

The Clark County Coroner ruled Bruner’s death a homicide, citing positional asphyxia as the cause.

Involuntary Manslaughter: Defined as unlawfully killing someone without malice aforethought, but through criminal negligence.

Potential Civil Lawsuits: The Bruner family is expected to pursue a civil lawsuit against the Fremont Hotel & Casino and Securitas Security Services, the company that employed Colucci.

Neck Restraint Restrictions: Several major casino operators have announced stricter limitations on the use of neck restraints by security personnel,with some banning the technique altogether.

De-escalation Training: Increased emphasis is being placed on de-escalation training for security guards, focusing on verbal communication and conflict resolution techniques.

Policy Review: Hotels and casinos are reviewing their COVID-19 enforcement policies to ensure they are clear, consistent, and do not rely on overly aggressive tactics.

Legal Precedent: This case sets a legal precedent regarding the use of force during the enforcement of public health mandates, potentially influencing future cases involving similar incidents.

Las Vegas security guard trial

Desmond Bruner death

Fremont Hotel incident

COVID-19 enforcement Las Vegas

Neck restraint controversy

Involuntary manslaughter sentencing

Casino security