Las Vegas cousins sentenced to 25 years for robbery and murder after threesome turns deadly

Erika Covington and Arionna Taylor plead guilty to second-degree murder in the 2023 killing of Bryan Altamirano-Solano

Two women, Erika Covington, 21, and Arionna Taylor, 22, have been sentenced to at least 10 years in prison for the 2023 murder of Bryan Altamirano-Solano, 25, in a Las Vegas Strip hotel room. The sentencing, handed down by Clark County District Court Judge Tierra Jones on Thursday, comes after the pair pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in November as part of a plea deal.  

Altamirano-Solano, who was in the U.S. seeking asylum from Nicaragua, was found dead in his room at Caesars Palace in May 2023. Prosecutors revealed that the women robbed him before shooting him, with surveillance footage showing them fleeing the scene carrying his bag. While it remains unclear which woman pulled the trigger, a cartridge casing found in the room matched Taylor’s weapon.  

During the sentencing, Covington expressed remorse, stating, "I would like to send my condolences to Brian’s family. I deeply, genuinely apologize for the grief and the pain that’s been brought to you guys’ family." Taylor, however, declined to speak.  

The victim’s family, including his father, Victor Altamirano, and mother, Nelly Altamirano, shared their heartbreak during the hearing. "It wasn’t enough just taking his belongings, they had to kill him," Victor said. "I ask for justice for my son." Nelly, joining remotely, tearfully asked, "Why? Why my son? The pain that I felt was so deep. I felt like I just lost my life."  

Surveillance footage played a key role in the case, capturing Altamirano-Solano meeting the women in the valet area before they accompanied him to his room. Minutes later, Covington and Taylor were seen running through a hallway, one carrying his bag. Detectives also discovered explicit videos on Altamirano-Solano’s phone featuring the two women.  

Under Nevada law, prosecutors can charge multiple individuals with murder if they are accused of committing the crime together. The women did not call for help after the shooting, and Altamirano-Solano’s body was discovered by a housekeeper more than eight hours later.  

Covington and Taylor will be eligible for parole in 2033, with credit for time served. Their sentences carry a maximum term of 25 years.  

The case has left a lasting impact on Altamirano-Solano’s family, who continue to seek closure and justice for their loved one.