Man sent to prison after fatal beating outside food bank

Shiloh Leutu, 38, was sentenced Tuesday to three to eight years in prison for the death of 60-year-old Scott Dennis following a beating outside the City Impact Urban Food Bank on East Sahara Avenue. Leutu pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in August, roughly a month after his arrest.

The incident occurred on July 9 when police say surveillance video captured an unidentified man arguing with Dennis' girlfriend after she declined a request for a cigarette. When Dennis intervened, the man threw what appeared to be food at him and initiated a fight, pulling Dennis into the parking lot. According to police, as that man held Dennis' right arm, Leutu repeatedly punched Dennis in the head and abdomen. Both suspects left the scene around 6:15 a.m. as Dennis lay on the ground.

Dennis was taken to Sunrise Hospital, where he later died. The Clark County coroner's office listed heart disease as the cause of death, with a physical altercation noted as a contributing factor. Leutu's arrest report stated the assault may have caused Dennis to suffer a heart attack.

Before sentencing, District Judge Jacqueline Bluth received letters of support for Leutu from his sister and a friend, Zandra Lewis. Lewis described Leutu as a devoted family man with strong moral character who would learn from the situation and work toward the betterment of the community.

Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal