Man accused of killing tourist makes court appearance

Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2000 | 5:18 a.m.

Prosecutors were given more time Tuesday to file formal charges against the man accused of killing a tourist when he fired shots during a struggle with security guards at Harrah's hotel-casino.

Stephen Mullen, 32, made a brief appearance Tuesday in Justice Court. He is facing possible charges of murder and assault following Friday's shooting that also injured a security guard.

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.

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.

"I'd give everything to take that part back, but I can't," Mullen told KLAS Channel 8.

Vitarelli was visiting Las Vegas from Napa, Calif., where she was a college student. She grew up in Maui, Hawaii.

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.

Mullen told the station that if he is convicted, he would rather be sentenced to death than spend the rest of his life in prison.