206 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.
Description
See any errors? Let us know!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 MoreVictims
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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)
See any mistakes? Let us know!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










