206 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.
⚠️ Warning: Viewer Discretion Advised ⚠️ The following section contains detailed information about serial killers, their crimes, and case details. Some content may be disturbing or graphic, including descriptions of violence, criminal behavior, and sensitive subject matter.
Description
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Tony Ray Amati: The Las Vegas Thrill Killer

Early Life

Anthony "Tony" Ray Amati was born on June 28, 1976, in Carbondale, Illinois. In 1992, his family relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada. Amati graduated with honors from Clark High School in 1994 and worked as a telemarketer during his high school years. Despite his academic achievements, Amati's life took a dark turn, leading to a series of violent crimes.

The Crime Spree Begins

In early 1996, Amati, along with accomplices Troy Sampson and Edward James, robbed a gun store in southern Las Vegas, stealing $30,000 in cash and approximately 75 firearms. This heist marked the beginning of a deadly crime spree that would terrorize the Las Vegas community.

First Murder: Michael Matta

On May 27, 1996, the trio encountered 27-year-old Michael Matta, who was rummaging through trash bins near his southeast Las Vegas home. Without provocation, they fired over 20 rounds into Matta, killing him instantly. This brutal act was the first in a series of senseless killings. ...Read More
Victims
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Confirmed Victims: (3)
  • Michael Matta Age: (27), Date of Death: 1996-05-27
  •     ...View 2 additional victims
    Links to Additional Sources (8)
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    Killer's Details

    Tony Ray

    Amati

    September 15, 1976 (age 48) Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

    Anthony Ray Jones, Phillip D. Gitlitz, Debon Restivito, Shane Wade

    Male

    First degree murder, Attempted murder

    Life imprisonment

    3

    May - August 1996

    Nevada

    March 1, 1998

    High Desert State Prison

    07/03/2025