Published Monday, July 7, 2014 | 10:09 a.m.
Updated Monday, July 7, 2014 | 6:25 p.m.
Opening statements in the trial of a man accused of sparking a scuffle and firing a gun as he tried to steal costumes and props from members of the "Thunder From Down Under" male revue are expected to begin early Tuesday in Clark County District Court.
Joey Kadmiri, 24, faces charges from a Clark County grand jury that include felony attempted murder and armed robbery stemming from the March 18 melee at Excalibur.
Metro Police said Kadmiri got into a fight with six members of the Thunder cast who caught him rifling through their belongings backstage. He reportedly pulled out a gun and pointed it at a dancer before another person jostled Kadmiri's hand and he shot a wall.
Kadmiri told media in a jailhouse interview after his arrest that he suffered mental-health and drug problems. But two doctors have found him competent to stand trial, and he has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Last week, in a hearing before Clark County District Judge Jerome Tao, prosecutor Kenneth Portz said he was prepared to call 15 to 20 witnesses to testify during the trial. Attorney Joshua Tomshek represents Kadmiri.
Tao and the attorneys spent Monday whittling a jury pool of 60 down to 12 jurors and two alternate jurors.
Court staff said the initial pool for Kadmiri's case was larger than the usual 40 because the incident was heavily publicized and extra efforts were necessary to select impartial jurors.
The trial is expected to last five days, according to court records.
Sun archives
- ‘Thunder’ performers subdue shooting suspect at Excalibur, police say
- Police ID suspect in shooting during fight with male revue dancers
- Suspect in ‘Thunder From Down Under’ case had failed to show for court date in domestic violence case
- Suspect blames ‘mental trip-out’ for brawl with male dancers
- Mother of ‘Thunder’ suspect wonders why strippers weren’t arrested in son’s beating
A myriad of entertainment, enjoyable food and comfortable accommodations make for an inviting atmosphere within the castle walls at Excalibur.
The resort offers 3,981 guest rooms, dozens of shops, an expansive pool complex, a wedding chapel featuring Medieval costume ceremonies, the relaxing Spa at Excalibur and a convention area with more than 12,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space.
Excalibur also is home to a wide range of dining and entertainment experiences including the fresh, Italian fare of Buca di Beppo, Dick’s Last Resort, The Steakhouse at Camelot, the Tournament of Kings dinner show, the all-male revue Thunder From Down Under and the sounds of The Australian Bee Gees.
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