Henry Ruggs Asked for a Second Chance – Nevada’s Parole Board Said No.

Former Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III has been denied parole, keeping him in prison nearly five years after a drunken driving crash in Las Vegas killed 23-year-old Tina Tintor and her dog. The Nevada Board of Parole Commissioners issued its decision on June 11, according to officials familiar with the case.

Ruggs, 27, will be eligible to appear before the parole board again no later than May 2027, roughly three months before his mandatory parole release date of August 24, 2027.

For Tintor’s family, the ruling was received quietly. Her mother and brother declined interview requests before the decision, and her uncle declined comment afterward. Her mother said only that the situation remains difficult when briefly reached by phone.

The Crash

The case stems from the night of November 2, 2021, when Ruggs was driving a Chevrolet Corvette Stingray at 156 miles per hour with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.161 percent, more than twice Nevada’s legal limit. Authorities said Ruggs struck the rear of Tintor’s Toyota RAV4, sending it approximately 571 feet before it burst into flames.

Tintor and her dog, Max, died from thermal injuries. Ruggs’ fiancée, Kiara Je’Nai Kilgo-Washington, who was in the vehicle with him, survived the crash.

The Raiders released Ruggs hours after his arrest.

Conviction and Sentence

In May 2023, Ruggs pleaded guilty to one count of felony DUI causing death and one misdemeanor count of vehicular manslaughter. He was sentenced in August 2023 to three to ten years in prison under a plea agreement.

In October 2025, he was transferred from a low-security transitional housing facility to the Northern Nevada Correctional Center, a medium-security prison.

Parole Hearing

Ruggs appeared via video at his initial parole hearing in May. He told the board he accepts full responsibility for the crash and said he thinks daily about the pain caused to Tintor’s family, her friends, and the Las Vegas community.

He also told commissioners that he met in person with Tintor’s brother to offer a direct apology. Ruggs spoke about his 6-year-old daughter and his fiancée, asking for an opportunity to demonstrate growth and accountability.

Parole board commissioner Sandy Schmitt noted during the hearing that sentencing guidelines often recommend parole at a first or second hearing for cases similar to Ruggs’, with good conduct in custody considered a mitigating factor. Despite that guidance, the board ultimately denied release.

Time in Custody

While incarcerated, Ruggs completed a bachelor of science degree in commerce and business administration through the University of Alabama. He has spoken to HOPE for Prisoners in Las Vegas and to other inmates about the consequences of drunk driving and has led fitness classes inside the facility.

Ruggs has said publicly that he intends to advocate against impaired driving after his release. His agent has stated that Ruggs is in a significantly better place mentally and emotionally than he was in the months following the crash.

Prosecutor’s Response

Eric Bauman, the former Clark County chief deputy district attorney who prosecuted the case, told ESPN that the crash was among the most severe DUI cases he encountered during his career. He said the parole denial represented progress toward justice for Tintor’s family and noted the case influenced his decision to retire.

Looking Ahead

Ruggs has said he hopes to return to professional football after his release and has expressed interest in rejoining the Raiders, though the team’s current leadership differs from when he was drafted in 2020. The NFL has not commented publicly on his eligibility.

Before the crash, Ruggs was one of the league’s most promising young receivers. Selected 12th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, he recorded 24 catches for 469 yards and two touchdowns through seven games in the 2021 season before his arrest ended his career.

His next parole hearing is expected to be scheduled by May 2027.

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