Accident – Death – Obituary News :
It has recently come to light that Daniel Rodimer, a former Nevada congressional hopeful, has been named as a suspect in the tragic death of Chris Tapp, an Idaho man who spent 20 years in prison for a murder he did not commit. Tapp, who later became an advocate for the wrongfully convicted, passed away in Las Vegas following an incident that occurred on October 29.
Details of the Incident
Authorities in Las Vegas responded to a report of a supposed accident involving Tapp, who was later found to have sustained blunt force trauma to the head. The Clark County Coroner’s Office ruled his death a homicide, prompting further investigation by homicide detectives.
Tapp’s lawyer revealed that he had attended a car show in Las Vegas and was subsequently hospitalized after falling and hitting his head on a coffee table in his hotel room. It was later discovered that Tapp had been involved in a physical altercation prior to his hospitalization.
Suspect’s Background
Daniel Rodimer, a former wrestler and political candidate, was the runner-up in the 2020 election for Nevada’s third congressional district. He lost to incumbent Suzanne Lee by a narrow margin of 3%. The nature of Rodimer’s relationship with Tapp and the circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear.
Advocacy for Justice
In 2019, Chris Tapp was exonerated for the murder of Angie Dodge, a case that had led to his wrongful imprisonment for two decades. Tapp had falsely confessed to the crime after facing intense interrogation and multiple lie detector tests. His eventual exoneration and the arrest of the true perpetrator brought some measure of closure to the long-standing case.
Following his release, Tapp became a vocal advocate for the rights of exonerees, pushing for legislation to provide fair compensation to those who had been wrongfully convicted. His efforts culminated in Idaho Governor Brad Little signing a bill into law that awarded Tapp $1.2 million in compensation.
Legal Action and Settlement
Chris Tapp later filed a lawsuit against the city of Idaho Falls and its police department for what he described as “egregious misconduct” during his case. In 2022, he reached a settlement of $11.7 million and received an apology from the mayor, marking a significant step towards justice for the wrongful conviction he had endured.
As the investigation into Chris Tapp’s death continues, the involvement of Daniel Rodimer raises questions about the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident and the impact it will have on both Tapp’s legacy and the pursuit of justice for the wrongfully convicted.
Written by Tim Stelloh for NBC News Digital
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