Spouse and children remembers female observed useless in resort room as ‘loving, thoughtful’
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Loved ones and pals of a female who was found lifeless at a Las Vegas resort are in disbelief. Her boyfriend, 31-12 months-previous Justin Medof, is now behind bars in relationship to the crime and was in court Thursday.
Stephanie Duarte, 30, of Orange, California, was located at the Home2 Suites on Dean Martin around Tropicana.
She and Medof were being on family vacation this past weekend. He mentioned they received into an argument whilst at the Fremont Road Knowledge, then he went back again to the resort to sleep. When he woke up Monday, Duarte was identified “beaten, bloody and unconscious.”
Medof faces an open murder charge, and Duarte’s household is now remaining remembering what a loving particular person she was.
“A person who beloved lifetime a human being who was constantly all set for adventure, loving, considerate,” Andrea Duarte, Stephanie’s sister, shared with 8 Information Now. “…Very driven. Her function has normally been a priority, as is her buddies, but more importantly, her family.”
Stephanie and Medof experienced only been dating a quick time when they planned a weekend getaway from California.
“This has been horrific,” Andrea lamented. “We have in no way experienced anything at all like this. It has been horrific.”
According to a Metro arrest report, Medof termed 911 just after discovering Stephanie hurt. Company in the place future door documented a struggle and home furnishings remaining moved all around. Law enforcement also found Medof experienced accidents on his body.
He has hired properly-regarded protection legal professional Robert Draskovich.
“You in no way take a police report at encounter benefit,” Draskovich explained. “We are now commencing our individual investigation, and we assume there to be extra to this tale.”
He shares his consumer was studying to turn into a lawyer himself and is likely by way of a hard time, imagining about how this will influence his spouse and children.
In the meantime, the Duarte family is dealing with heartbreak.
“We were incredibly shut developing up,” Andrea recalled. “She was my other 50 percent.”
Stephanie’s family members and mates say they want her to be remembered for her loving personality.
“I am so grateful for all the messages and calls that I am receiving due to the fact, just so pleasant to see how a lot of people loved her,” Andrea mentioned.
Medof is due back again in courtroom Aug. 2.
If you’d like to donate to Stephanie’s memorial fund, simply click listed here. It has been set up on behalf of her relatives, with their permission.