DA given time to file charges in casino killing

Greg Tuttle

Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2000 | 11:35 a.m.

Clark County prosecutors were granted more time this morning to file formal charges against the man accused of the deadly shooting at Harrah's hotel-casino.

Stephen Mullen, 32, made a brief appearance today in Justice Court where he is facing possible charges of murder and assault following the shooting Friday that left a tourist dead and a security guard wounded.

Justice of the Peace Deborah Lippis gave prosecutors until Sept. 18 to file charges against Mullen.

An alleged accomplice, 31-year-old Michael Frimmel, faces lesser charges in connection with the incident. He did not appear in court this morning.

The two men were approached by Harrah's security guards at about 1:20 a.m. Friday after being recognized as suspects in a number of petty thefts from gamblers. Mullen tried to run but was tackled by several security guards. Police say he fired two shots during a struggle.

Heather M. Vitarelli, 29, was struck in the back and died at the scene. She was visiting Las Vegas from California.

Frank Willis, a 43-year-old security guard, was hit in the stomach with the second bullet. He has since been released from University Medical Center.

Mullen and Frimmel have been described as drifters with a history of petty crime convictions in several states.