Connect with us

Entertainment

The tragic death of a Las Vegas Instagram influencer who was injected with pool cleaner and dumped in the desert

If you only looked at her online life, Esmeralda Gonzalez had it all together. Her Instagram page had more than 300k followers. She was a professional model with a BA in Communication and a penchant for posing in revealing outfits (and sometimes no outfits at all). She liked expensive handbags, jewelry, and watches and she loved her dog Bonita.

Unfortunately, her life ended in a truly tragic way: she was murdered, covered in concrete and left in the Las Vegas desert to rot. So, how could such a terrible thing happen?

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Esmeralda Merlot (@esmeralda_merlot)

On May 12, 2019, Esmeralda posted to her Instagram page for the last time. She was sitting outside on a carpet cleaning a dog’s face.”Because dogs make the world a better place,” she said in the post. What you can’t tell from the photo is that she was struggling with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, for which she required medication to maintain “her perception of reality”. In just a few days she would be dead.

Esmeralda was a Las Vegas native; she grew up in the well-known Westside neighborhood. Growing up she played chess and did beauty pageants. Her ex-boyfriend Matthew Mosey said she was “a very driven young woman with her whole life ahead of her.”

By the 31st her brother Juan Gonzalez Madera, who hadn’t heard from her in a few days, went to check on her. When he arrived he found her car in the driveway and the door unlocked. To add to the confusion, her wallet and purse were inside the house. Suspecting Esmeralda was off her meds, her brother promptly called the cops.

Las Vegas Police, while investigating, learned that Esmeralda’s boyfriend had called her brother and family because he thought she was acting weird. He was so worried that he took her cell phone and her keys. Inside the house everything was in disarray, indicating to them that she was undergoing a mental health crisis.

At this point, police thought she was simply missing, and asked for footage from the security cameras in the house.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Esmeralda Merlot (@esmeralda_merlot)

While canvassing, police collected security footage from neighbors. Clark County Chief Deputy District Attorney, Pam Weckerly, said the footage police found was “concerning,” and that Esmeralda was walking around the neighborhood in “lingerie and high heels… and wasn’t walking steadily.”

Police also learned that she had fought with her boyfriend (hence him stealing her keys), but when they watched footage from the home they saw that she was alone. They then started investigating her Instagram page for anything suspicious.

After more investigating, police learned that Esmeralda showed up at a BMW dealership in lingerie to try and get a key for her car. In the video, she seemed confused and lost. Because it was Vegas, employees at the car dealership assumed she was a stripper and didn’t think twice about it. At this point, she was still just a missing person, but police were beginning to piece together a timeline.

After the person who drove her to the dealership was cleared and questioned, they learned she knocked on a neighbor’s door. Then she was just gone. It wasn’t until police got an anonymous tip on July 18 that they got a break in the case. The tip said a man named Christopher Prestipino killed Esmeralda, along with his roommate Cassandra Garrett. The tip went on to say that “they had injected her with a pool cleaner before taking her out to the desert in a U-Haul truck and dumping her.”

Police looked into Prestipino and found out he had drug charges, and that he lived “essentially on the same street” as Esmeralda. Someone else called the police and told them to speak with a woman named Tricia Ott. When they visited her she told them Prestipino came to her for help. Ott told police she went to his house and saw a U-Haul and a huge wooden box. She said Cassandra was there and she was “whacked out of her mind.”

Ott said that Prestipino was acting incredibly paranoid, and that he told her that there was a woman at the house who “freaked out” and that he tied her up and thought maybe he killed her. Police then went to the local Home Depot and saw footage of Prestipino buying a lot of wood, along with lime, building materials, concrete, and screws. They then checked his cell phone records and found out he had been in the desert for a long time on the 8th of June.

Police then questioned Prestipino’s girlfriend Lisa Mort, who was in jail on something unrelated. She denied any knowledge of anything. She was lying, and would eventually be charged as an accessory. Then they questioned Cassandra and all she said was “I wasn’t in the garage.” Finally, they confronted Prestipino with a search warrant. He told police he had no idea what they were talking about and that he’d “never seen her before.” Below is a picture of Prespitino and Lisa Mort.

Christopher Prestipino and Lisa Mort Photo via Facebook

Investigators eventually convinced Cassandra to take them to the body if they let her get her things in order before she went to jail. Eventually, they found a corpse in a large wooden crate that was covered in concrete. Though the body was unrecognizable they identified Esmeralda through her watch and DNA.

Cassandra Garrett photo via Facebook

Cassandra then gave a full statement about what happened. She said she found Gonzalez walking around the neighborhood and brought her to Prespitino’s house. Some news reports say that Prestipino propositioned Esmeralda for sex without knowing she was in a fragile mental state. He gave her meth, police said, and Esmeralda started speaking in the “devil’s tongue.”

Panicking, Prestipino tied her to a chair. She started yelling about cops and tried to punch him, so he strangled her and then Cassandra injected her with pool cleaner. Then they started the long process of disposing of the body.

Mort would eventually plead guilty as an accessory. She got two to five years in prison. Cassandra pleaded to voluntary manslaughter and got 20 years with eligibility for parole after eight. Prespitino was given a 10 to 25-year sentence for second-degree murder and 15 years for kidnapping, to be served concurrently.

By: Jon Silman
Title: The tragic death of a Las Vegas Instagram influencer who was injected with pool cleaner and dumped in the desert
Sourced From: wegotthiscovered.com/true-crime/the-tragic-death-of-a-las-vegas-instagram-influencer-who-was-injected-with-pool-cleaner-and-dumped-in-the-desert/
Published Date: Wed, 27 Mar 2024 10:51:07 +0000

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Entertainment

‘I AM ENTITLED TO SPECIFICITY’: A single tweet proves just how much of a liar convicted felon Donald Trump really is

So that’s a wrap for the Donald Trump hush money trial, and what a conclusion it was — after several arduous weeks of the former president acting like a child, breaking his gag order, and crapping his pants, he is now a convicted felon.

However, the business mogul is now trying to claim that he doesn’t actually know what he’s being charged with. In a post to Truth Social the day before the verdict, Trump wrote, “I DON’T EVEN KNOW WHAT THE CHARGES ARE IN THIS RIGGED CASE.” It’s pretty much a last ditch effort to further his narrative that the whole case is rigged, something which members of the MAGA crowd like Lauren Boebert have certainly bought into. However, it’s also a straight up lie on Trump’s part.

Literally, less than two months ago he stood in court and stated that he understood the charges. So which is it? Either Trump is a liar, and a bad one at that, or he’s going senile, which is definitely a possibility here. Maybe if he’d made more of an effort to stay awake during the trial he would have more of a clue as to what’s going on.

His desperation is really showing and it seems like people are pretty easily seeing through his lies now. People on X are celebrating the landmark conviction today with calls to lock him up.

Whether or not Trump will actually serve any prison time remains to be seen. Judge Merchan will hand down his sentence on July 11 and it’s certainly possible that he could do time behind bars, but it’s also possible he won’t — we’ll have to wait and see.

By: Jordan Collins
Title: ‘I AM ENTITLED TO SPECIFICITY’: A single tweet proves just how much of a liar convicted felon Donald Trump really is
Sourced From: wegotthiscovered.com/news/i-am-entitled-to-specificity-a-single-tweet-proves-just-how-much-of-a-liar-convicted-felon-donald-trump-really-is/
Published Date: Fri, 31 May 2024 10:40:35 +0000

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Who Is Cole Sprouse’s Girlfriend? Ari Fournier’s Age & Marriage Rumors Explained

Cole Sprouse girlfriend Ari Fournier age marriedPhoto by Michael Buckner/WWD via Getty Images

Riverdale star, Cole Sprouse has attracted a lot of questions about his impending wedding to his current girlfriend, Ari Fournier. This speculation follows the successful wedding of his twin brother Dylan last year. Many of Cole’s supporters have expressed an interest in his girlfriend’s age and the impending marriage rumors.

Here’s a closer look into who Ari Fournier is, her age as well as her marriage prospects with Cole.

Who is Cole Sprouse dating in 2024?

Cole Sprouse is presently dating Ari Fournier.

The couple have been together for over three years now, having started dating in 2021. As per US Magazine, Cole and Ari were first spotted publicly in March 2021, when the duo was photographed taking a stroll through the city of Vancouver while holding hands. Since then, the pair hasn’t shied away from publicizing their relationship, happily posting their moments together on social media from time to time.

Fournier notably celebrated their third anniversary in January of this year by posting a special carousel on Instagram, accompanied by a wholesome caption.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ari Fournier (@ariloufournier)

Is Cole Sprouse married or engaged?

No, Cole Sprouse is not married or engaged, at the time of writing. He and Ari Fournier have not officially announced any update on their relationship.

The rumors around Cole Sprouse’s supposed marriage to his girlfriend have much to do with his twin brother Dylan getting married recently. Dylan Sprouse finally wedded his long-term partner, Barbara Palvin, in July 2023.

While talking to PEOPLE, Cole revealed that he has recently been bombarded with questions about marriage from all directions. He further acknowledged the fact that he is now the only unwed Sprouse but clarified that he feels no pressure.

In a separate interview on SiriusXM’s Let’s Talk Off Camera Kelly Ripa, Cole expressed gratitude towards his partner for not pushing him on the topic of marriage at any point in time. According to his statements, the couple seems to be progressing steadily by taking it one day at a time.

How old is Ari Fournier’s age?

Born in 1998, Ari Fournier is currently aged 25.

Fournier is six years younger than her partner, Cole Sprouse who was born on August 4, 1992.

According to Elle, Fournier is an Elite professional model and was discovered at 15 via Instagram. The Canadian-born model also has a YouTube channel that features videos on beauty, travel, life after lockdown, and what it’s like to be a model.

Read more [topic, i.e. movie/TV series name]

The post Who Is Cole Sprouse’s Girlfriend? Ari Fournier’s Age & Marriage Rumors Explained appeared first on ComingSoon.net – Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.

By: Apoorv Rastogi
Title: Who Is Cole Sprouse’s Girlfriend? Ari Fournier’s Age & Marriage Rumors Explained
Sourced From: www.comingsoon.net/guides/news/1747536-cole-sprouse-girlfriend-married-ari-fournier-age-2024
Published Date: Fri, 31 May 2024 11:23:08 +0000

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! Streaming: Watch & Stream Online via Netflix

Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! Streaming: Watch & Stream Online via NetflixPhoto Credit: Digital Entertainment (DEI)

Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! is a 1994 musical romantic drama film. The story follows Prem and Nisha, who are in a relationship with each other, have to give up their love for the family. Rejoicing Indian wedding customs, the film is helmed iconic in Indian cinema history, paving way for more imaginative and romantic productions.

Here’s how you can watch and stream Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! via streaming services such as Netflix.

Is Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! available to watch via streaming?

Yes, Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! is available to watch via streaming on Netflix.

Prem studies business under his father and elder brother Rajesh. Nisha, a student of computer science, is adored by her parents and older sister, Pooja. Rajesh and Pooja get engaged when fate brings the two families together. Nisha remains with Pooja gets pregnant and attends the customary event prior to the baby’s birth. Prem and Nisha declare their love for one another and have a relationship in secret. But Pooja passes away in an accident, bringing the household to a standstill. Rajesh’s health declines as a result of his concerns for his motherless child’s future. Nisha’s father advises her to wed Rajesh and become Pooja’s child’s mother. Prem and Nisha give up their love. When Rajesh finds out the real reason for their sacrifice, fate steps in, blesses and unites the two loves.

Written and directed by Sooraj Barjatya , the cast features Madhuri Dixit as Nisha, Salman Khan as Prem, Mohnish Behl as Rajesh and Renuka Shahane as Pooja.

Watch Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! streaming via Netflix

Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! is available to watch on Netflix.

Bird Box, Damsel, The Cloverfield Paradox, Beyond Skyline, Time Trap, Infinite, The Wandering Earth, Dune: Part One, Tau, Call, Inception, Underwater, Mirage, Adam Project, Badland Hunters, How It Ends, Platform, Space Sweepers, Outside the Wire, and Spiderhead are just a few of the science fiction films available on Netflix

You can watch via Netflix by following these steps:

  1. Visit netflix.com/signup
  2. Choose a payment plan from the following:
    • $6.99 per month (standard with Ads)
    • $15.49 per month (Standard)
    • $22.99 per month (Premium)
  3. Enter your email address and password to create an account
  4. Enter your chosen payment method

The cheapest Netflix Standard with Ads Plan provides all but a few of its movies and TV shows. However, it will show ads before or during most of its content. You can watch in Full HD and on two supported devices at a time.

Its Standard Plan provides the same but is completely ad-free while also allowing users to download content on two supported devices with an additional option to add one extra member who doesn’t live in the same household.

The Premium Plan provides the same as above, though for four supported devices at a time, with content displaying in Ultra HD. Users get to download content on up to six supported devices at a time and have the option to add up to two extra members who don’t live in the same household. Netflix spatial audio is also supported.

NOTE: The streaming services listed above are subject to change. The information provided was correct at the time of writing.







Full 2024 Golden Trailer Awards Winners List: Deadpool & Wolverine Wins Big

ComingSoon can exclusively announce the winners of the 2024 Golden Trailer Awards. The Golden Trailer Awards were held this evening…



Movies


Brandon Schreur

7 hours ago


Bill Skarsgård Is Confirmed To Be Back as Pennywise in Welcome to Derry IT TV Series

After teasing in an interview this week, it’s official. Bill Skarsgård is back as Pennywise the Clown in the IT…



TV


Neil Bolt

12 hours ago


Transformers & G.I. Joe Crossover Movie Eyes Chris Hemsworth to Lead

Nearly a week after the theatrical debut of Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, Marvel vet Chris Hemsworth has found his…



Movies


Maggie Dela Paz

14 hours ago


Did We Need Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga?

Hollywood took a massive L this weekend thanks to the poor performance of George Miller’s Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga,…



Movies


Jeff Ames

15 hours ago

The post Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! Streaming: Watch & Stream Online via Netflix appeared first on ComingSoon.net – Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.

By: Ankita Shrivastava
Title: Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! Streaming: Watch & Stream Online via Netflix
Sourced From: www.comingsoon.net/guides/news/1746828-hum-aapke-hain-koun-streaming-watch-stream-online-via-netflix
Published Date: Fri, 31 May 2024 12:01:11 +0000

Continue Reading

Trending