Westgate Las Vegas
Casino Resort Investigation
CLASSIFICATION: Murder
LOCATION
Winchester, Nevada
TIME PERIOD
1981
VICTIMS
8 confirmed
On October 15, 2023, at approximately 10:30 PM, a robbery occurred at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, located at 3000 Paradise Road, Winchester, Nevada. Two male suspects, described as approximately 6 feet tall and wearing masks, entered the casino and threatened staff with firearms, demanding cash from the main gaming cage. The suspects fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of money, and no injuries were reported among the staff or patrons. The current status of the investigation is active, with surveillance footage being analyzed and local law enforcement conducting interviews with witnesses. Significant evidence includes clear images from security cameras capturing the suspects' entry and exit, as well as potential fingerprints left at the scene.
Community analysis and theories will be displayed here when available.
The Westgate Las Vegas: A Storied History of Glitz, Glamour, and Mystery
In the heart of Nevada, just shy of the famed Las Vegas Strip, stands the iconic Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. This sprawling complex, located at 3000 Paradise Road in Winchester, Nevada, boasts a rich tapestry of history and intrigue that has unfolded since its grand opening on July 2, 1969. Originally christened as the International Hotel, this establishment has witnessed the evolution of Las Vegas itself, serving as a backdrop for glamorous performances, notorious scandals, and tragic events.
The Birth of a Legend: The International Hotel (1969–1971)
The site where the Westgate now stands was once part of the Las Vegas Park racetrack, a vision that never fully materialized. In 1965, this 400-acre expanse was acquired by National Equities, headed by Marvin Kratter, who envisioned a grand 40-floor hotel accompanied by a golf course and private homes. However, it was Kirk Kerkorian, the chairman of Trans International Airlines and the landlord of Caesars Palace, who brought a new vision to life. In 1967, he purchased a 65.5-acre portion of the site for $5 million and set out to build a 30-story hotel with 1,510 rooms, costing an ambitious $50 million.
Despite skepticism surrounding its location away from the Strip, Kerkorian was confident that his International Hotel would ignite a "second Strip" along Paradise Road. The hotel, designed by architect Martin Stern Jr., broke ground in February 1968, and by July 2, 1969, it opened its doors as Nevada's tallest building and largest hotel. Entertainment director Bill Miller secured Barbra Streisand to headline the showroom, while Peggy Lee performed in the lounge. The hotel's international theme was reflected in its decor and diverse array of restaurants offering global cuisines.
Elvis Presley soon followed Streisand, commencing a legendary seven-year engagement that would see him perform 636 consecutive sold-out shows. However, financial troubles loomed for Kerkorian, leading him to sell shares of International Leisure to Hilton Hotels in 1971. The International was reborn as the Las Vegas Hilton, a name that would become synonymous with success.
The Las Vegas Hilton Era (1971–2012)
Under Hilton's ownership, the hotel flourished, with expansions in 1975 and 1979 adding hundreds of new rooms. The Hilton Pavilion, a venue for sports and entertainment events, opened in 1977. But the hotel's golden era was marred by tragedy on February 10, 1981, when a fire set by a drug-addled busboy, Philip Bruce Cline, claimed eight lives and injured approximately 350 others. This catastrophe, along with the earlier MGM Grand fire, spurred significant changes in Nevada's fire safety regulations. Cline was sentenced to life in prison without parole, and a $23 million settlement was paid to victims.
Despite this dark chapter, the Hilton continued to evolve. In the 1980s and '90s, it expanded further and introduced the SuperBook, the world's largest sportsbook. The hotel also found itself at the center of the infamous Tailhook scandal in 1991, leading to a $5.2 million judgment awarded to one of the victims.
The 1990s ushered in further changes, with new signage and a focus on attracting high rollers with the construction of luxurious Sky Villas. By 1998, Hilton's casino properties were spun off into Park Place Entertainment, and the hotel faced potential sales and ownership changes. In 2004, Colony Capital acquired the Las Vegas Hilton, placing it under the Resorts International Holdings banner.
A New Chapter: The Westgate Era
In 2014, the property underwent another transformation, becoming the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. Today, this landmark stands as a testament to the ever-changing landscape of Las Vegas, with a rich history marked by its towering presence, luxurious amenities, and a legacy of entertainment and intrigue.
Facilities and Features
The Westgate Las Vegas, located on a 64-acre site east of Paradise Road, features a towering 375-foot hotel with 30 floors and 2,956 rooms. Its top floor houses three "Sky Villas" catering to high rollers, each equipped with a private swimming pool. The casino boasts 54,923 square feet of gaming space, with hundreds of slot machines, table games, and a renowned SuperBook sportsbook. Dining options range from the Japanese-themed Benihana Village to fine dining at Edge Steakhouse.
The resort's convention center offers 225,000 square feet of event space, while recreational amenities include a five-acre pool deck, a fitness center, a spa, tennis courts, and a monorail station. This blend of luxury and accessibility cements the Westgate's status as a pivotal player in Las Vegas's storied history.
Sources
For more details, visit the Wikipedia page.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
On October 15, 2023, at approximately 10:30 PM, a robbery occurred at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, located at 3000 Paradise Road, Winchester, Nevada. Two male suspects, described as approximately 6 feet tall and wearing masks, entered the casino and threatened staff with firearms, demanding cash from the main gaming cage. The suspects fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of money, and no injuries were reported among the staff or patrons. The current status of the investigation is active, with surveillance footage being analyzed and local law enforcement conducting interviews with witnesses. Significant evidence includes clear images from security cameras capturing the suspects' entry and exit, as well as potential fingerprints left at the scene.
Community analysis and theories will be displayed here when available.
The Westgate Las Vegas: A Storied History of Glitz, Glamour, and Mystery
In the heart of Nevada, just shy of the famed Las Vegas Strip, stands the iconic Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. This sprawling complex, located at 3000 Paradise Road in Winchester, Nevada, boasts a rich tapestry of history and intrigue that has unfolded since its grand opening on July 2, 1969. Originally christened as the International Hotel, this establishment has witnessed the evolution of Las Vegas itself, serving as a backdrop for glamorous performances, notorious scandals, and tragic events.
The Birth of a Legend: The International Hotel (1969–1971)
The site where the Westgate now stands was once part of the Las Vegas Park racetrack, a vision that never fully materialized. In 1965, this 400-acre expanse was acquired by National Equities, headed by Marvin Kratter, who envisioned a grand 40-floor hotel accompanied by a golf course and private homes. However, it was Kirk Kerkorian, the chairman of Trans International Airlines and the landlord of Caesars Palace, who brought a new vision to life. In 1967, he purchased a 65.5-acre portion of the site for $5 million and set out to build a 30-story hotel with 1,510 rooms, costing an ambitious $50 million.
Despite skepticism surrounding its location away from the Strip, Kerkorian was confident that his International Hotel would ignite a "second Strip" along Paradise Road. The hotel, designed by architect Martin Stern Jr., broke ground in February 1968, and by July 2, 1969, it opened its doors as Nevada's tallest building and largest hotel. Entertainment director Bill Miller secured Barbra Streisand to headline the showroom, while Peggy Lee performed in the lounge. The hotel's international theme was reflected in its decor and diverse array of restaurants offering global cuisines.
Elvis Presley soon followed Streisand, commencing a legendary seven-year engagement that would see him perform 636 consecutive sold-out shows. However, financial troubles loomed for Kerkorian, leading him to sell shares of International Leisure to Hilton Hotels in 1971. The International was reborn as the Las Vegas Hilton, a name that would become synonymous with success.
The Las Vegas Hilton Era (1971–2012)
Under Hilton's ownership, the hotel flourished, with expansions in 1975 and 1979 adding hundreds of new rooms. The Hilton Pavilion, a venue for sports and entertainment events, opened in 1977. But the hotel's golden era was marred by tragedy on February 10, 1981, when a fire set by a drug-addled busboy, Philip Bruce Cline, claimed eight lives and injured approximately 350 others. This catastrophe, along with the earlier MGM Grand fire, spurred significant changes in Nevada's fire safety regulations. Cline was sentenced to life in prison without parole, and a $23 million settlement was paid to victims.
Despite this dark chapter, the Hilton continued to evolve. In the 1980s and '90s, it expanded further and introduced the SuperBook, the world's largest sportsbook. The hotel also found itself at the center of the infamous Tailhook scandal in 1991, leading to a $5.2 million judgment awarded to one of the victims.
The 1990s ushered in further changes, with new signage and a focus on attracting high rollers with the construction of luxurious Sky Villas. By 1998, Hilton's casino properties were spun off into Park Place Entertainment, and the hotel faced potential sales and ownership changes. In 2004, Colony Capital acquired the Las Vegas Hilton, placing it under the Resorts International Holdings banner.
A New Chapter: The Westgate Era
In 2014, the property underwent another transformation, becoming the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. Today, this landmark stands as a testament to the ever-changing landscape of Las Vegas, with a rich history marked by its towering presence, luxurious amenities, and a legacy of entertainment and intrigue.
Facilities and Features
The Westgate Las Vegas, located on a 64-acre site east of Paradise Road, features a towering 375-foot hotel with 30 floors and 2,956 rooms. Its top floor houses three "Sky Villas" catering to high rollers, each equipped with a private swimming pool. The casino boasts 54,923 square feet of gaming space, with hundreds of slot machines, table games, and a renowned SuperBook sportsbook. Dining options range from the Japanese-themed Benihana Village to fine dining at Edge Steakhouse.
The resort's convention center offers 225,000 square feet of event space, while recreational amenities include a five-acre pool deck, a fitness center, a spa, tennis courts, and a monorail station. This blend of luxury and accessibility cements the Westgate's status as a pivotal player in Las Vegas's storied history.
Sources
For more details, visit the Wikipedia page.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...