Two women who robbed and murdered a man in his Las Vegas Strip hotel room will each serve a minimum of 10 years in prison, as part of a plea agreement approved by a judge on Thursday.
Erika Covington, 21, and Arionna Taylor, 22, pleaded guilty in November to second-degree murder charges in connection with the May 2023 killing of Bryan Altamirano-Solano, 25. Altamirano-Solano, who was seeking asylum in the United States from Nicaragua, was fatally shot during the incident, court records revealed.
Heartfelt Apologies and Silence in Court
During the sentencing, Covington addressed Altamirano-Solano's grieving family. “I would like to send my condolences to Bryan’s family,” she said. “I deeply, genuinely apologize for the grief and the pain that’s been brought to your family.”
Taylor chose not to speak during the hearing.
Surveillance Footage Reveals Details of the Crime
According to investigators, surveillance footage played a critical role in piecing together the events of that fateful night. Around 2:14 a.m., Altamirano-Solano was seen talking with two women in a valet area. Shortly after, at 2:35 a.m., another camera recorded the trio walking together to Altamirano-Solano’s hotel room. A bag was visibly slung across his chest.
Less than 15 minutes later, the two women were captured on video running down a hotel hallway. Prosecutors reported that one of the women was carrying Altamirano-Solano’s bag as they fled the scene.
Explicit videos found on Altamirano-Solano’s phone later tied both Covington and Taylor to the crime, strengthening the prosecution’s case.
Family Demands Justice for Bryan Altamirano-Solano
During the emotional court proceedings, Altamirano-Solano’s father, Victor Altamirano, expressed his anguish over the loss of his son. “It wasn’t enough just taking his belongings; they had to kill him,” he said. “I ask for justice for my son.”
Altamirano-Solano’s mother, Nelly Altamirano, also shared her heartbreak, attending the sentencing remotely alongside his brother. “The pain I felt was so deep,” she said. “I felt like I lost my life. I had so many questions. Why? Why my son?”
Nevada law holds all parties involved in a homicide accountable, even if multiple perpetrators commit the crime together. Prosecutors emphasized that neither Covington nor Taylor called for help after the shooting. Tragically, Altamirano-Solano’s body was discovered more than eight hours later by a housekeeper.
As part of their plea agreement, Covington and Taylor will each serve a minimum of 10 years in prison. They will be eligible for parole in 2033, with credit for time already served.
This tragic case highlights the devastating consequences of crime and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of seeking justice for victims and their families. Bryan Altamirano-Solano’s death leaves an irreplaceable void, and his family continues to mourn the loss of a beloved son and brother.