Prosecutors pile on additional charges against Henry Ruggs III
Former Las Vegas Raiders receiver Henry Ruggs III was formally charged for five counts in the DUI crash that killed a 23-year-old woman and her dog.
Ruggs faces two felony counts of DUI causing death/substantial bodily harm, two felony counts of reckless driving resulting in death/substantial bodily harm, and a misdemeanor for possession of a gun while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The additional counts added are for Ruggs’ girlfriend who was injured in the crash.
If the court finds Ruggs guilty of all the charges, he faces up to 50 years in prison.
According to the report, Ruggs was driving 156 miles per hour through a suburban area, miles away from the Las Vegas strip. His speedometer read 127 mph when airbags deployed. In addition, Ruggs blood alcohol level read .161, more than twice the legal limit. Police also found a loaded gun inside the car.
Ruggs and his passenger, now identified as Kiara Je’nai Kilgo-Washington, went to the hospital with unspecified injuries.
The former Alabama receiver did not appear in court after the judge granted his lawyers’ request.
More on Henry Ruggs III charges
According to law enforcement, the two-car accident happened around 3:39 a.m. PT. The initial investigation shows Ruggs was driving a Chevrolet Corvette and hit the back of a Toyota Rav4. Officers found the Toyota on fire with a deceased victim, Tina Tintor, inside.
“The driver of the Chevrolet, identified as 22-year-old Henry Ruggs III, remained on scene and showed signs of impairment,” Akers added on the DUI charges. “He was transported to UMC hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries.”
Prior to his release from the Raiders, Henry Ruggs III had 24 receptions, 469 yards and two touchdowns this season. He has started all seven games Las Vegas has played this year and led the team in receiving yards.
Ruggs, 22, has previously discussed how his high school best friend Roderic Scott inspired him to play high school football. Scott died in a car accident when he was 17. Ruggs honored his friend with a three-finger salute every time he scores a touchdown.