A 19-year-old woman has been charged with second-degree manslaughter in the US state of Minnesota after allegedly shooting her partner dead in a YouTube stunt gone wrong.
Police arrested Monalisa Perez on Wednesday, claiming she was responsible for the death of 22-year-old Pedro Ruiz III.
The criminal complaint filed against Perez claims she fired a .50 calibre Desert Eagle handgun at Ruiz from close range.
Ruiz was allegedly holding a hardcover encyclopaedia against his chest at the time, with the apparent goal of filming the book stopping the bullet.
The bullet passed through the book and into Ruiz’ chest, leading to his death.
She had posted a Twitter update alluding to the stunt shortly beforehand.
Me and Pedro are probably going to shoot one of the most dangerous videos ever???? HIS idea not MINE??
— Monalisa Perez (@MonalisaPerez5) June 26, 2017
Perez and Ruiz ran a YouTube channel which often featured prank and stunt videos.
Ruiz’ aunt Claudia Ruiz claimed to local broadcaster WDAY-TV that she urged him not to use a gun for the video, and asked him why he chose to do so.
Ruiz allegedly responded “because we want more viewers. We want to get famous.”
She also said the couple’s 3-year-old daughter was present at the time of the shooting. Perez is also pregnant with a second child.
She also said the couple’s 3-year-old daughter was present at the time of the shooting. Perez is also pregnant with a second child.
Lisa Primeau, another aunt of Ruiz, said the family was supporting Perez.
“It’s the worst punishment she can get,” Primeau said.
“She is pregnant with their second kid. It’s just heartbreaking.”
Perez remains in jail, and is scheduled to face court via video link.
Source: News.com.au / Minnesota Star Tribune.
Photo: La MonaLisa / YouTube.
