LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — The Clark County coroner’s office ruled a sex worker’s cause and manner of death as undetermined, according to documents the 8 News Now Investigators obtained.
Jason Kendall, 36, allegedly confessed to choking Larissa Garcia, 30, inside the Palms Casino Resort on June 12, the 8 News Now Investigators first reported. Garcia was a single mother, a daughter, a granddaughter and friend to many, friends said after her death.
Kendall turned himself in to police on June 28, the 8 News Now Investigators first reported. He faces charges of open murder, sexual assault, and battery by strangulation to commit sexual assault, documents said.
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Garcia’s cause and manner of death were listed as undetermined, a medical examiner ruled earlier this month, according to documents.
On the day of the reported assault, an anonymous person, who police later identified as Kendall, called hotel security to report Garcia overdosing in the room, documents said. Suspecting an overdose, Metro police did not respond, but paramedics brought Garcia to Spring Valley Hospital. Garcia also texted a person she was meeting a man named “J” at the hotel, documents said.
Garcia died more than a week later in intensive care. A test did not show any alcohol or illicit drugs in her system, documents said. Other testing was not performed due to her “prolonged hospitalization,” the examiner said.
Kendall’s criminal proceedings were previously delayed as another judge ordered him to undergo a competency evaluation. After several months at a state hospital, a judge found Kendall competent to stand trial.
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Kendall was scheduled to appear in court in July for a status check ahead of trial.
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