LAS VEGAS — Former Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III appeared before the Nevada Board of Parole Commissioners on May 11 as he seeks early release from prison following his 2021 fatal DUI crash.
Ruggs, 27, appeared via video conference from the Northern Nevada Correctional Center in Carson City during the hearing. A final parole decision is expected on June 11.
Ruggs was sentenced in 2023 to three to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to:
- Felony DUI causing death
- Misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter
The charges stemmed from a Nov. 2, 2021 crash in Las Vegas that killed 23-year-old Tina Tintor and her dog, Max.
According to investigators, Ruggs was driving up to 156 mph and had a blood alcohol content of 0.161, more than twice Nevada’s legal limit, when his Corvette slammed into Tintor’s vehicle.
Decision Expected in June
According to reports from Las Vegas CBS affiliate KLAS 8 News Now, seven commissioners make up the parole board, with at least four votes needed for approval.
Only two commissioners attended the May 11 hearing in person, while the remaining members are expected to review the case materials before the June decision.
Emotional Statements During Hearing
Longtime defense attorney David Chesnoff spoke on Ruggs’ behalf. “In my 45 years, I’ve never chosen to speak before at a parole hearing,” Chesnoff said. “I have heartfelt feelings that releasing Henry will be the right thing to do.”
Ruggs also addressed the board directly. “I know I can never alleviate the pain I have caused,” Ruggs said.
Previous Public Remarks
The parole hearing comes nearly a year after Ruggs spoke publicly at a Hope For Prisoners event in Las Vegas. During that appearance, he reflected on the tragedy and expressed remorse toward Tintor’s family. “I wish I could turn back the hands of time,” Ruggs said. He later explained he had been “escaping” the pressures that came with being a first-round NFL draft pick.
Ruggs was selected by the Las Vegas Raiders with the 12th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft and was viewed as one of the league’s fastest rising young receivers before the fatal crash abruptly ended his football career.
The case remains one of the most tragic stories in recent NFL history, intertwining themes of fame, accountability, loss, and rehabilitation. As the parole board prepares its decision, the emotional weight of the case continues to resonate throughout Las Vegas and the football world.
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