Teen Pleads Guilty to Randomly Stabbing Man to Death, Returning to Class

Ethan Goin, 21, admitted to killing a 48-year-old man in Las Vegas in 2021 when he was 16 years old, before going back to school.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A 21-year-old Nevada man named Ethan Goin has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder with use of a deadly weapon for a random and fatal stabbing he committed in 2021 when he was 16 years old. Goin left his high school, stabbed 48-year-old Vergel Guintu to death, and then returned to class, before later being arrested and charged.

Why it matters

This case highlights the troubling issue of random acts of violence by young offenders, as well as the challenges of the criminal justice system in dealing with minors accused of serious crimes. It raises questions about mental health, school safety, and whether the justice system is equipped to properly rehabilitate and reintegrate young offenders.

The details

According to police, on August 27, 2021, Goin left his high school during first period, went to a nearby home, stabbed Guintu to death, and then returned to class. Guintu's wife and mother-in-law heard a noise and found him lying in a pool of blood. Goin was later seen by a neighbor wearing all black and carrying a backpack, and was eventually arrested the next day as he was trying to hide the murder weapon. During a police interview, Goin said he left school because he was being bullied and that what happened next was "a blur."

  • On August 27, 2021, Goin left his high school during first period.
  • On August 27, 2021, Goin stabbed Vergel Guintu to death.
  • On August 27, 2021, Goin returned to his high school after the murder.
  • On March 8, 2026, Goin's trial was originally scheduled to begin.
  • On March 24, 2026, Goin is slated to be sentenced.

The players

Ethan Goin

A 21-year-old Nevada man who pleaded guilty to second-degree murder with use of a deadly weapon for randomly stabbing a man to death in 2021 when he was 16 years old.

Vergel Guintu

A 48-year-old man who was stabbed to death by Goin in his own home in Las Vegas in 2021.

Judge Carli Kierny

The 8th Judicial District Court judge who presided over Goin's case.

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What they’re saying

“Goin was voluntarily admitting his guilt after participating in a settlement conference, understood what was happening, and had a 10th-grade education.”

— Ethan Goin (Court Proceedings)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Goin's 18-year prison sentence at his sentencing hearing on March 24, 2026.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the need for greater mental health support and intervention for at-risk youth, as well as stronger security measures in schools to prevent such random acts of violence. It also highlights the challenges the justice system faces in rehabilitating young offenders who commit serious crimes.