Nevada Man Roidan Durruthy-Mendoza Pleads Guilty in Fatal Shooting of Ex-Wife Marillorky Tamayo-Cruz

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – August 2025 – Roidan Durruthy-Mendoza, 40, a Nevada man, is expected to spend the remainder of his life behind bars after pleading guilty to the murder of his ex-wife, Marillorky Tamayo-Cruz, 34, marking a tragic conclusion to a violent incident that shocked the community.

The Incident:
In 2023, Tamayo-Cruz, a mother of two, was fatally shot by her ex-husband, Durruthy-Mendoza, just hours after the couple attended a divorce-related court hearing that did not go in his favor. The attack left the community reeling and brought national attention to the dangers of domestic violence.

The Guilty Plea:
On Monday, Durruthy-Mendoza formally pleaded guilty to one count of murder with the use of a deadly weapon in the killing of Tamayo-Cruz. Jury selection for his scheduled murder trial had been set to begin the same day, but prosecutors and the defense reached a plea agreement prior to trial, as reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Charges and Plea Agreement:
Initially, Durruthy-Mendoza faced additional charges, including:

• Attempted murder with a deadly weapon
• Domestic battery with a deadly weapon
• Assault
• Child abuse

Under the terms of the plea deal, these additional charges were dismissed, allowing the case to move directly toward sentencing.

Community Impact:
The slaying of Tamayo-Cruz has had a profound effect on family, friends, and the broader Nevada community, highlighting the ongoing issue of domestic violence and the need for awareness and prevention efforts.

Authorities and prosecutors praised the swift resolution of the case, noting that justice for the victim and her family is now progressing toward sentencing. The outcome serves as a reminder of the severe consequences of domestic violence and the dedication of law enforcement and judicial systems in protecting victims and upholding justice.

No sentencing date has been immediately announced, but Durruthy-Mendoza is expected to face a lengthy prison term, likely for the remainder of his life, for taking the life of Tamayo-Cruz.