Heartbreak at UNLV: $1 Million Bail for Suspect in Fatal Stabbing of Student

A cloud of sorrow hangs over the UNLV community following the tragic death of 20-year-old student Maung Maung Thein, who was fatally stabbed last week. The man accused in his murder, 27-year-old Gabriel Benard, is now being held on a $1 million bail, a decision handed down during his initial court appearance.

The devastating incident unfolded in the late hours of October 17th or early morning of October 18th at the Ponderosa Apartments, located on South Eastern Avenue, a short distance from the university campus.

According to an arrest report from the Metropolitan Police Department, the confrontation stemmed from a dispute over property. Maung Maung Thein, accompanied by a friend, had gone to the apartment with the intention of retrieving personal items, reportedly including a television.

What began as an attempt to reclaim belongings quickly escalated into a fatal encounter.

Police allege that during the confrontation, Benard wielded a deadly weapon, stabbing Thein multiple times. Despite the desperate efforts of those present, Thein succumbed to his injuries at the scene, leaving behind a community in shock and mourning.

Authorities swiftly responded to the scene, and Benard was taken into custody shortly after the horrific event.

He now faces a charge of murder with a deadly weapon, a grave accusation that underscores the severity of the alleged crime and the tragic loss of a young life.

During his arraignment in Las Vegas Justice Court, the prosecution argued for the substantial bail, citing the violent nature of the alleged crime and the potential flight risk.

Justice of the Peace Joseph Sciscento ultimately set Benard's bail at $1 million. Should Benard manage to post bail, he would be placed on high-level electronic monitoring, a condition reflecting the serious charges against him.

The loss of Maung Maung Thein has resonated deeply, particularly within the UNLV student body and faculty.

A promising life cut short, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of violence and the profound impact it leaves on individuals and communities alike. As the legal proceedings unfold, the focus remains on justice for Maung Maung Thein and solace for those grieving his untimely departure.