Friday 7 October 2022 11:07 PM Las Vegas showgirl stabbed to death by madman with a kitchen knife 'died in her ... trends now
A Las Vegas showgirl who died in a brutal attack on the strip was stabbed in the heart and died in her co-workers arms, it's been revealed.
Maris Mareen Digiovanni, 30, bled out on the strip in the arms of her friend and fellow showgirl who had also been injured in the attack in broad daylight on Thursday near the Wynn hotel on the Las Vegas Boulevard, her boss told the New York Post.
'It just happened so fast, he stabbed Maris in the heart,' Cheryl Lowthorp told The Post.
Lowthorp, who runs Best Showgirls, added that Yoni Barrios was 'smiling and friendly' moments before he launched the attack that left Digiovanni and Brent Allen Hallett, 47, dead.
Six other people, including four showgrirls, were injured in the attack.
Barrios, 32, has been charged with two counts of murder and six counts of attempted murder. He appeared in court on Friday afternoon with both his hands bandaged.
Maris Mareen Digiovanni, 30, was stabbed to death in the broad daylight attack which also claimed the life of Brent Allan Hallett, 47, and left
A fellow showgirl, who was also stabbed in the brutal attack, held Maris in her arms as she died, the woman's boss said
Yoni Barrios, 32, has been charged with two counts of murder and six counts of attempted murder. He appeared in court on Friday afternoon
A victim of the brutal knife attack on Las Vegas strip was rushed away on a stretcher by members of Clark County Fire Department
In Thursdays attack, Maris died in the arms of her friend who was trying to administer first aid, her Lowthorp said.
'She already knew Maris was gone because she passed away in her arms,' she told the Post.
Barrios asked the showgirls on the strip for a photograph - but after he was turned down, he went on a rampage with the kitchen knife.
Once Barrios started the attack, some of the showgirls were able to escape but one who has been identified as Anna attempted to give Maris first aid. While she was helping her friend, she was stabbed in the back, and her lung was punctured.
Maris's heartbroken brother paid tribute to his sister last night. The 30-year-old previously worked as a teacher at 9th Bridge School in Las Vegas.
She graduated with a degree in education from Washington State University, and had worked as a preschool-elementary teacher in both Bahrain and Hong Kong.
Lowthorp said she was an 'exceptional young woman'.
Her brother Gage DiGiovanni wrote: 'It is with great sadness that we say goodbye and see you later to my amazing little sister. Maris was a victim of the horrific random stabbing of eight people in Las Vegas today.
'Please pray for our family and her husband. We appreciate the space to grieve in the coming days and know she touched your lives as she did ours.'
Maris pictured with her brother Gage DiGiovanni. He paid tribute to his 'amazing little sister ... she touched your lives as she did ours'
One of Maris's friends took to social media to pay tribute to the 'kindest soul.'
Emma Leeson wrote about her friend: 'Absolutely shocked, devastated and heart broken.
'The most kindest beautiful soul taken way to young, this is so unfair and should never of happened - I can’t wrap my head around any of it.
'Thank you for all the incredibly fun amazing spontaneous memories and adventures we got to share together.'
Maris's cousin also remembered the 30-year-old as someone who 'brought a light to everyone's life.'
Maris and husband Cole Jordan, pictured on their wedding day
Maris (right) graduated with a degree in education from Washington State University, and had worked as a preschool-elementary teacher in both Bahrain and Hong Kong
The 30-year-old (pictured) had worked as a teacher at 9th Bridge School in Las Vegas
Maris (right) is pictured with her cousin, Ashlei who said the teacher 'brought a light to everyone's life'
Ashlei DiGiovanni said: 'I still can’t believe you’re actually gone. This world can be so evil. You brought a light to everyone’s life who crossed your path.
'I’m so thankful for the moments I got to have with you. From sunset chasing, to dancing in your kitchen, to nights out to talking about absolutely anything under the sun.
'You were one of the most open, lighthearted, and easy going people who wanted to make others’ days better. You were my cousin and my best friend. My heart is broken knowing I can’t snap or call you. I love you.'
According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Barrios is thought to have acted alone and investigators believe that it was an isolated incident.
The attack has prompted safety fears among the strip's street performers.
Barrios, who does not live in Las Vegas, reportedly had a kitchen knife and told the showgirls he was a chef and wanted to take a photo with them.
Cops swooped on the Venetian resort and the crazed knifeman was arrested with blood coated all over his sleeves
Friends and family members have paid tribute to the beloved woman - who was a Las Vegas resident and previously worked as a teacher in the city
