Nevada Attorney General’s Office Releases Findings and Recommendations Regarding Death of UNLV Student Following Charity Boxing Match

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) — The Nevada Attorney General’s Office has released new findings after a review of November’s Kappa Sigma fight night that led to the death of UNLV student Nathan Valencia. The report detailed three key findings, including that the police investigation was too narrow in scope and new recommendations on how to prevent something similar from happening in the future.

The report revealed that not all of the fighters were students, leading to confusion over which agency might regulate the event.

He also revealed that the investigation by the Metropolitan Las Vegas Police was limited only to whether the event center had a valid Clark County business license.

“After determining this to be the case, Metro conducted no further investigation into the matter,” the report said. “As a result, effervescent evidence was not obtained and secured in a timely manner. Such evidence includes the boxing gloves used by Mr. Valencia’s opponent, the bandages used by his opponent, or potential evidence of substance use. illicit.

The AG’s office said law enforcement’s findings that no crime had been committed were premature and jeopardized any possible future prosecution.

Less than two weeks after Valencia’s death, the police department sent out this statement saying in part, “Although Mr. Valencia’s death is tragic, the circumstances surrounding his death are not criminal and no charges will be filed.”

Because fight night was not sanctioned by USA Boxing or the Nevada Athletic Commission, the AG’s office said many safety protocols were not followed. This does not include a pre-fight weigh-in, medical, glove and headgear inspection, certified referee, ringside doctor and staged ambulance at the venue.

The GA office made recommendations for future monitoring. He said while the Nevada Athletic Commission has jurisdiction over most unarmed fights, it does not have the authority to prosecute crimes.

“Crimes related to unlawful or unauthorized bare-knuckle fighting must therefore be investigated and prosecuted by local law enforcement, as would these agencies for any other violation of the law of the Status,” the report said.

This suggests a missed opportunity to find out if Valencia’s opponent was on drugs or tampering with the gloves, which the GA report alleged was alleged in several witness interviews.

The office concluded that charity boxing events like this should only include experienced and well-trained fighters.

The Nevada State Athletic Commission is expected to discuss the report at its meeting on Tuesday.