Teen accused in First Friday killing pleads not guilty; prosecutors say it was gang-related

A teen suspect pleaded not guilty Thursday in a deadly shooting at downtown Las Vegas’ First Friday event.

The Oct. 2 shooting, which police said was gang-related, claimed the life of 15-year-old Carth Onasi Jacobs-Rodgers. The First Friday event was suspended for November and December in the aftermath.

Issac Manriquez, 17, was indicted last week on counts of murder, battery with a deadly weapon resulting in substantial bodily harm and carrying a concealed firearm.

Prosecutors allege that the killing was committed to advance a criminal gang called Loko Boys. Manriquez is accused of shooting two other teens besides Jacobs-Rodgers.

At a brief hearing, Manriquez told Chief District Judge Tierra Jones he had a 10th grade education and understood the charges he faces. He then pleaded not guilty.

“We need to let all the facts play out before rushing to judgment,” defense attorney Tanner Harris said after court. “There’s more to this story than what’s been portrayed in the media so far.”

Contact Noble Brigham at [email protected].