I know that you probably don't want to do this, but you're going to have to describe for ladies and gentlemen, the jury what happens when you come out that door and you're holding that hammer. She she she tells me why I'm doing this. She says, Why are you doing this? Is now are you covered up in such a way that she shouldn't know who you are? You know, have a mask on. Do you say anything to her? No. What do you do? I hit her in the head. When you hit her in the head. What happens? She hits the floor. And after she hates the floor, what do you do? I jump on top of her. Jump on top of her. What do you do? Keep on hitting. Las Vegas, Nevada, often referred to as the entertainment capital of the world, is a city that never sleeps. Renowned for its vibrant nightlife, centered around 24 hour casinos and other entertainment options, the famous strip stretching over four miles is a dazzling runway where the hotels and casinos are more flamboyant than a Lady Gaga outfit. But away from the glitz, the glam and the occasional impromptu wedding officiated by an Elvis lookalike, Las Vegas harbors tales that are not just about luck and luxury in the shadows of its luminous allure. Crime often unfolds, bringing a dose of reality to the city's larger than life facade. Our story begins on March 13th, 1966, in Salt Lake City, Utah, where Shauna Ann Castleton was born into a world brimming with possibility. As the years passed, her family saw new beginnings moving to Broomhall, Pennsylvania, in 1978 and later settling in Virginia. It was here that Shauna, a bright and outgoing cheerleader, navigated the halls of middle and high school. Her vivacious personality shown brightly, making her a beloved figure among her peers. In 1994, at the age of 28, Shauna's journey took a dramatic turn as she ventured into the heart of Las Vegas, Nevada. This city, known for its vibrant energy and endless opportunities, became the backdrop for her new career at Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus. Shauna stepped into the world of cosmetics sales, where her charisma and flair for connection were undeniable. Yet it wasn't long before had discovered a new passion within the hospitality industry. She transitioned to working as a cocktail waitress, first at the Fiesta Casino and then at the renowned Palms Casino. In these lively environments, Shauna's infectious joy and dedication to her work did not go unnoticed. Patrons and colleagues alike were drawn to her radiant energy and warm presence. It was in this glittering world of chance and excitement that Shauna found her stride. She thrived not just in her role, but financially too, earning an impressive salary in tips that exceeded $100,000 per year. It was under these circumstances that Shauna caught the eye of George Miguel Tiaffay. George, a man of remarkable accomplishments himself, was a valet at the same casino. His past painted the picture of a quintessential American success story in his high school days in California. George was not just an athlete, but also the homecoming king, beloved by his peers. His drive and dedication led him to the prestigious West Point Academy, followed by a distinguished service in the Army Corps of Engineers. George's striking looks and charisma even landed him a spot in a firefighter pinup calendar. But beyond his outward achievements, his character radiated through in his personal life. He was known for his generosity, regularly sending money back home to support his mother and disabled sister. Described by his sisters as giving soul, George, his desire to serve others was a guiding force in his life. In October 2002, this dedication to service led him to a noble profession. George became a firefighter for Las Vegas Fire and Rescue, a role in which he continued to demonstrate his commitment to helping others. His journey cross paths with shadows in a twist of fate, bringing together two vibrant lives in the heart of Las Vegas. In the whirlwind of their lives, Shauna and George's paths intertwined romantically marking the beginning of a new chapter together. Within a year of their relationship, they welcomed the joyous arrival of their daughter, further cementing their bond. Three years later, under the warm Hawaiian sun on March 2006, they exchanged vows, their love blossoming into a marriage. This young family quickly became the epitome of love and togetherness in the eyes of many who knew them. George embraced his role as a doting father with open arms while Shauna shined in her role as a devoted mother. Together, they navigated the journey of parenthood, frequently capturing and sharing the milestones of their family life with their circle of loved ones. After two happy years of marriage, things began to change in the Tiaffay household. George lost a significant amount of money in the housing market crash of 2008, and that's when Shauna noticed a considerable change in his attitude. She confided to friends he had become jealous, controlling and critical of her. For example, as she was getting dressed for work, he would say such things as "You dress like a slut." Around this time, George began regularly inviting a homeless man named Noel, whom he paid for doing odd jobs around the house into their home. This arrangement did not sit well with Shauna, who expressed to her friends that she found the man creepy while George, and though would spend time together drinking beers and conversing some of George's close friends pointed out that his history of assisting the homeless made this behavior not out of the ordinary for him. This matter aside, the couple's relationship issues persisted, leading them to consider the possibility of separation. Shauna opened up to her friends and family about the verbal abuse and manipulation she was experiencing from George. As their relationship further deteriorated. George took the step of filing for divorce in the winter of 2011. It wasn't until April 2012, after a decade together, that Shauna gathered the courage to leave the marital home. She moved into an apartment marking a new phase in her life. Despite the challenges, the two phase were able to maintain a shared custody arrangement for their daughter. A September 8th, 2012, just five months after the separation. Shauna returned to a disheartening scene. Her apartment had been thoroughly ransacked. Amid the chaos, she noticed that her wedding ring and a single bathing suit bottom were missing. Strangely, a pair of small boxer shorts, presumably left by the intruder, was found at the scene. Perplexed, Shauna attributed the incident to a juvenile prank. Two weeks later, as she clocked out and her shift that the casino, she knew she could rely on the comforts of her cozy bed where she did not know was that there was someone inside her apartment with bad intentions, patiently waiting for her to arrive. On September 29th, Shauna finished her shift at the Palms Casino at 3 a.m.. She was captured on surveillance footage, clocking out of work and heading out the back exit to her vehicle. 30 minutes later, as Shauna entered her apartment, she was brutally ambushed by a masked man wielding a hammer as she tried to defend herself. She begged for her life and at one point asked, Why are you doing this? But the only responses came in the form of vicious hammer strikes. As the clock neared 9 a.m.. George, accompanied by their daughter, approached Shauna his apartment. An unusual sight immediately caught his attention. The garage door was inexplicably open with a sense of foreboding. George cautiously stepped inside the apartment. The scene that unfolded before him was harrowing. Shauna lying on the ground, mortally wounded in a pool of blood. George immediately dialed 911 to seek out a police. I think I need to report a break in in a murder. I my wife. My wife is on the floor. Bloody stiff, if not moving. I have my daughter with me. I want to take her to my mom's house. Let's stay right here a minute, okay? Okay. Do you know what the address is? And you don't live there, correct? No. My wife and I live in separate places. Okay. When's the last time you saw her? Oh, I used to go take a deep breath. I am a fireman. I was at work yesterday, so I saw her about 36 hours ago, I guess. I'm not sure. Okay. A day and a half ago. I'm thinking something like that. Okay. How was your daughter? She's eight. And she's with you. Or where she is, Like here with me. Okay. What's your name, sir? My name is George, TSA. Okay. Do you see anything suspicious around her? Any weapons, Any knives? Guns? No. I had to get my daughter out of there. We came over and the garage door was open and never opened. And so we went into rehabs and stuff for my daughter. My, my. My wife sleeps in the day because she works at night. Right? And she was on the floor and walked in. Where are you at right now? I'm at the garage right now. Okay. We do have an officer on the way, so just stay right outside and we'll get somebody out there for you, okay? Okay. I didn't touch the body to check for a pulse. That's okay. We have medical on the way as well. Okay. Okay. Thank you. Responding medical personnel declared Shauna dead and observed injuries consistent with foul play. The Clark County Coroner's office would later rule her death a homicide caused by multiple blunt force injuries. As detectives arrived on the scene. They immediately focused on George as a person of interest. But George had an airtight alibi. She was lying on the floor. She was covered in blood. I just want to day. What ship did you work yesterday? That 24 hour shift. George explained to the detectives that he had recently completed a grueling 24 hour shift. He mentioned that he was on call at the firehouse before he picked up his daughter, who had been staying at her grandmother's house while Shauna was at work. This account was corroborated by his colleagues at the fire department who confirmed his presence on duty during the 24 hours leading up to his wife's murder. As a result, George was cleared of any immediate suspicion. However, the detectives found a peculiar. When the day after Shauna's murder, an attorney representing George contacted them, requesting that any future communications be directed through him. The detectives then turned their attention to the surveillance footage from the Palms Casino, hoping to spot someone tailing Shauna or approaching her in the parking lot as she left to work. However, this line of investigation led nowhere. The footage revealed no signs of anyone following her, either through the casino or to her car. This lack of evidence left the detectives perplexed and questioning who would want to harm Shauna Tiaffay. And for what reason? As leads dried up, it seemed increasingly likely that the case would go cold, possibly leaving Shauna without justice. A breakthrough in the case emerged when the police received a crucial tip through their hotline. An informant reported that a homeless man known as "Greyhound" had been boasting about killing a woman with a hammer. This greyhound was identified as Noel Scott Stevens, a four time convicted felon with a history of substance abuse and mental health issues. He resided in a tent on the city's outskirts. Upon apprehending Stevens, the police conducted a thorough search around his tent in which they discovered a pair of his trousers stained with blood. Forensic analysis later confirmed that the blood matched Shauna's. Additionally, investigators found a barcode sticker indicating a hammer was purchased at a Lowe's Home Improvement store. As the investigation continued, a forensic download of his mobile phone showed a contact named George. When asked who that was, Stevens stated, "That's my friend. The firefighter" Call records revealed. Stevens and George Tiaffay had phoned each other constantly leading up to the murder. In fact, George called Stevens 87 times in September, including five times on the night before the murder. As the investigation progressed, detectives found evidence George had gone to a Lowes store and made a copy of his wife's apartment key, which he later gave to Stevens. Presented with the evidence, Stevens eventually confessed to officers that George Tiaffay had offered to pay him $5,000 to kill Shauna. George had even taken Stevens to a local store to buy supplies. A claim that was backed up by video footage of the pair purchasing a hammer, ski mask and black clothing. Stevens formally pleaded guilty just four months after the murder and accepted a plea deal as part of his plea arrangement. He agreed to testify against George. Stevens informed prosecutors that George made sure they purchased a hammer with a fiberglass handle that would not break. Stevens said he made several dry runs before he killed Shauna, at one point burglarizing her apartment. In another instance, Stevens staked out her workplace, but was caught by police officers who thought they were observing a burglary in progress. They confiscated his fiberglass hammer, filed a report and let him go. Then, on the morning of September 29th, Stevens broke into Shauna's apartment and armed with a wooden hammer, waited for her to arrive home from work. During cross-examination, Stevens was asked to describe what took place once Shauna entered the apartment. And what are you holding when you when she comes out? I am now the hammer that you're using. Why that hammer? Because I didn't want to go and buy another one. How is. Let me ask you this. That hammer. Where did you get that hammer? From Lowe's right now. But that day, I mean, where was it between the time you borrowed it? Clothes. Until the time you used it to kill Shauna And my first count. And why didn't you use that hammer? You bought it before you bought some of the other hammers. Why not keep that hammer and use it every time you tried? Because it's wood. And what was the problem with wood and break? Who told you that? George? Okay, so now you have the wood hammer in your hand because you were cheap. What happens? And your name? How? I know that you probably don't want to do this, but you're going to have to describe for the ladies and gentlemen, the jury, what happens when you come out that door and you're holding that hammer. She she she tells me why I'm doing this. She says, Why are you doing this? Is now are you covered up in such a way that she shouldn't know who you are? You know, I have a mask on. Do you say anything to her? No. What do you do? I hit her in the head. When you hit her in the head, what happens? She hits the floor. And after she hates the floor, what do you do? I jump on top of you. Jump on top of her. What do you do? Keep on hitting with the hammer. Yes. What happens to the hammer while this is happening? It breaks. So after the hammer breaks, what do you do? I throw the piece of wood away and grab the middle piece. Keep on hitting. Despite his cooperation, Stevens received a harsher than expected sentence of 42 years to life for murder, conspiracy, burglary and robbery. Judge Eric Johnson shared with Stevens the thought process behind his determination that in this case, is this conduct of someone. Quite frankly, who has a soul. I'm not sure I see the remorse that's discussed here in your in your heart. I see it largely a man who unfortunately, as I watched your testimony, I think if this was a different day and age, a lot number of years earlier, has some potential before, whether it be your health conditions or your alcohol or drug use, largely as, like I said, taking away your soul. I just don't see the morality part, the empathy or the sense of responsibility to essentially agree. You probably kill this woman with a hammer, knowing that the only way to do it was to essentially passion or death. And I just never got a sense that there was any hesitancy on your part to do this at any time, according to an arrest report. Detectives informed George Tiaffay, his mother and sister on October 8th that he was being investigated for planning his wife's slaying. Shortly afterward, George Tesfaye drove his truck 76 miles per hour into a retaining wall at the end of Summerlin Parkway in the Las Vegas Beltway in an apparent suicide attempt. George Tiaffay survived and detectives arrested him two days later at University Medical Center. When detectives told him he was being arrested, George Tiaffay replied okay. He then asked to call his attorney, take a shower and brush his teeth. Tiaffay was initially charged with conspiracy to commit murder, possession of burglary tools, conspiracy to commit burglary, conspiracy to commit robbery, burglary while in possession of a deadly weapon, robbery with the use of a deadly weapon and first degree murder with the use of a deadly weapon. The supposed motive. He did not want to face the financial consequences of a divorce. The trial of Nevada versus George Tiaffay included five days of testimony from over 20 witnesses and 3 hours of closing arguments. After 15 hours of deliberations, the jury had reached a verdict, District Court Clark County, Nevada, the state of Nevada plaintiff versus George M Tiaffay defendant Case number c286317 Department number 20. Verdict We the jury in the title case find the defendant George M Tiaffay as follows. Count one Conspiracy to commit murder guilty at the sentencing phase of the trial. The narrative of Tiaffay's life prior to the crime was highlighted by both the prosecution and the defense. Tiaffay, a U.S. Military Academy at West Point graduate, was formerly regarded as a local hero, especially among his fellow firefighters. In his defense, attorney Robert Langford appealed to the judge, urging consideration of Tiaffay's honorable past. Langford argued who you were for a long, long time should count for something and not count against you. The things that you've done good in this life should also count, and it shouldn't be twisted around. This plea emphasized the importance of Tiaffay previous contributions and character in the sentencing decision. Chief Deputy District Attorney Mark DiGiacomo had a different viewpoint, stating "It's precisely Mr. Tiaffay history that makes this crime so egregious." Ultimately, George Tiaffay was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Judge Johnson told Tiaffay that he couldn't make sense of why you of all people would do something that, you know, would be so cruel to so many people. Beyond just Shauna, my sentence today is not based upon holding you to a higher standard. My sentence is based upon the fact that this was just pure evil.