Aspiring Daredevil Social Media Star Killed During Stunt | Monalisa Perez & Pedro Ruiz Case Analysis 

Tragic. Social media is where vanity and stupidity meet.

What’s scary is more people like this are out there, reproducing right now. I feel for their children.

Back in the 80’s Warren Miller said, if you point a camera at people they’ll do anything.

He had to obtain books from an abandoned house, because he didn't have any in his house. There's a clue to what's going on here.

As a kid I was taught "Never point a gun at anything you don't intend to kill, even an unloaded gun!"

I believe if Pedro would have pulled this off, then there would be many imitators and it would probably cost them their lives trying to imitate him.

So sad that their child has no father because of senseless reckless behavior.

I read about this story, and I feel bad for the girl. Yeah, they were not the sharpest tools in the shed, but he pressured her to do it when she tried to tell him no. Did he wonder what would have happened if she aimed too high? His family was all, "You took him from us!" Really, did she? He set up the stunt, stood in front of a bullet on purpose, and even drew a bullseye where he wanted her to shoot. With his way of thinking, I don't really picture him having led a long life. Her punishment was definitely too much.

Listening to these is like hearing calm bedtime stories of abnormal psychology.

Very sad. I put this all on Pedro, and it's unfortunate that his wife basically had to pay a price for his death wish. I also think Mona Lisa's punishment was too severe but, compared with what she COULD have been sentenced to, she was very fortunate.

This young man either wanted to die, or thought he never could. I don’t know which belief is more dangerous. Thanks for covering this Dr. Grande.

I heartily concur. Separating that young mother from her kids in a punitive sentence served no one, she isn't a danger to society and will carry the memory of that awful relationship and its dreadful ending forever. Pedro was determined to self destruct, tragic he didn't get help and better education so that he could have lived a more useful and much longer, happy life. Thanks for the analysis.

"Knowledge was a casualty" is definitely a great way to sum up this experiment/tragedy.

Social media is a cesspool of questionable personal behavior.

I really feel sorry for Ms. Perez in this whole thing. I can't even imagine being pressured and harassed for months to point a gun at somebody you care about and pull the trigger, something you know is extremely dangerous and really don't want to do, even if they've assured you it's fine, but you eventually give in, still pleading with them up to the last moment to not make you go through with it, and then when you do, all of your fears are realized in an instant, and you have to just watch helplessly as your loved one just dies in front of you. And then you have to live the rest of your life without them, raising your children who will never even get to know their father. And then the police come in and destroy your life even further, treating you like a murderer, arresting you, dragging you through a nightmare of legal proceedings and ultimately separating you from your family or any other emotional support you might have for long periods at a time while you're still trying to cope with everything else, and all for something you never wanted to do in the first place, and tried over and over again to get out of doing at all. I agree that a much more fitting resolution for her would have been something like the original "reckless discharge of a firearm" charge (which I think describes exactly what she actually did), which should then have probably resulted in something like probation and a certain amount of community service (such as going around and telling her story as part of a gun safety program, etc, which I think would probably have been a far more productive outcome all around). Her actual punishment was definitely excessive, and I don't think can really be considered "justice" at all.

I can't believe he thought an inch & a half inch thick book would stop a 50 caliber A&E. It wouldn't even stop a puny 22 rimfire. Incredible.

Can't be doing stuff like this when you have a kid.

As always, the child is the victim. How horribly sad that is

So he broke into an EMPTY house and stole books. "Abandoned" houses still have owners. My coworker used to enter "abandoned" houses to take copper wiring until he went to prison for breaking and entering and theft.

I think the sentence she got was appropriate. She was an adult, and she clearly committed manslaughter--she didn't mean to kill him, but her reckless actions led to his death. She may have been gullible, but that level of gullibility makes her danger to society. On the other hand, she has a young child, and with appropriate supervision (probation) is unlikely to reoffend. I think the 10 days on/10 days off jail sentence for 6 months, followed by house arrest, then 10 years probation is appropriate--it sends a message to anyone else who is gullible and reckless, and it allows her to live a mostly normal life.

Wow, I hadn’t thought about this case in years. It’s ironically sad that what he want was fame and views, fast forward 5+ yrs and unfortunately people like myself have almost completely forgotten about him. I’m happy to hear Monalisa has moved on, I hope their kid is alright.

What a shame his purpose had nothing to do with being a good father to his child, and his thoughts not on the legacy he would leave her.

Poor girl. This kid was bound to end someone else if not himself. Hate that this happened to him and even more to her. Was a selfish punk to do that to her. She’s a kid and he’s pushing her endlessly. I did so many stupid things I wouldn’t do now back when I was a kid. But someone who thinks a book is gonna safely stop a bullet prolly isn’t fit for earth’s physics.

Your analysis is on point and your double entendres are refreshing

I served as a medic in Nam, earned a Purple Heart then spend the next 30 yrs on the street as a city cop. During my LE career I came close to losing my life to gunfire more than once. Retired in my mid 70s now & will never understand anyone that thinks cheating death is some sort of game. Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.

The book was just 1.5" thick?? I would require an old school phone book or thick encyclopedia ffs. Pedro admitted he was crazy and stupid. Being a father, he actions were incredibly selfish. His desire for fame and viewers was his ultimate demise.

I like your take on this case, Dr. G. This was on pedro. It's a tragedy he pressured her to basically kill him

Dr. Grande.. Would you cover the recent released video of 12 years old, who killed her younger brother? I would like to hear your perspection & insight about the girl behavior; crying, worried about herself, somehow changing too fast from crying to fine. Thanks

Apparently, he might have thought she "wasn't good enough", but she proved she was. Hard lesson learned.

I love Dr Grande's attempt at humour with his dry, straight face. :-) I am a loyal follower and thumb upper of the Dr.

I wonder if her “light sentence” was designed to spare their poor child from losing both parents, at least for a time. And prohibiting her from owning a gun in the future was probably unnecessary as she’ll probably never touch one again.

Pedro got his wish. He made national news when this happened and we’re talking about it today. Well done Pedro.

What a senseless tragedy. Sometimes people need to be protected from themselves due to their lack of common sense. Great review as always! Have a wonderful week ahead, Dr. Grande.❤

"As long as you hit the book,"...then she went for the head shot 😂

"This bullet travels 1500 fps....that's 3 football fields...in 1 second". I knew right then he was in trouble....😮

The fact he said "We all die, it's just a matter of how and when".... Most people would intuitively say the "why" is of more importance. Tells us a lot about the way he made decisions, the reasons didn't matter, just the experience.

His family knew he was pressuring her and didn’t want her to get in much trouble eitherS

I can't be convinced that this guy did not want to die but didn't want to do it by his own hands.

Almost as scary as this idiotic stunt is the fact that these 2 were parents of young children...

This was all on Pedro. He pressured his girlfriend to this. Monalisa should of never been charged.

Was he nominated for a Darwin Award?

One of the things that I've noticed about the Doc is that he knows a *lot* about handguns. What he says about the (silly and unnecessary) .50 cal Desert Eagle is exactly correct. The only time you would need that is if you were trying to kill a bear or Keith Richards.

They got the idea from an episode of the Sopranos when Phil Leonardo conducted a mock execution on Lorraine Culluzzio. Shot a phone book in front of her but it "only made it to the r's".

She’s not a child, she knew what she was playing with even if she didn’t want to it, she still did it.

Thank you for this on point analysis. I hope that Monalisa is stronger in herself now to walk away from any type of coercive control. The sad truth is the wild materials being put out on Tiktok, Instagram and indeed RU-vid lead me to believe something similar will likely happen and continue to keep happening. Pedro told the truth about 'views' people will die for online views, in this case literally.

I wonder if Dr.Grande will ever make a video starting with "Today's question is Can I analize the case of XYZ" and then just say "No." stands up and leaves and the video is just 10 minutes of an empty chair.

How did she get punished after seeing all the evidence!?!?

It’s sad she’s still obsessed with social media after all of this.

This gives new meaning to, "hitting the books." Probably the only way this poor guy ever did it!

This case is a strong argument for not allowing children make life altering decisions such as taking hormone blockers and getting double mastectomy among other changes! But what do I know?

Play stupid games win stupid prizes! That being said this is tragic, stupidity is a epidemic with younger generations now days!

Pedro indeed managed to prevent us to do crazy stuff by his example

I finally had to look up with the symbolism behind a cactus is. They are a symbol of endurance, perseverance , strength in the face of endurance ,tenacity and unconditional love. Now i understand your love of cactuses because you seen to embody these character traits. Thank you for your professional content and dry yet tastefu humor❤. We have to find some humor when talking about such horrible situations.

The cartridges could have been different. Bullet design and powder load are variable.

Thanks for the video. So sad.

I believe he did the first “test” without something backing the book . When he held the book during the real stunt that allowed the round to punch through.

Good video Dr Grande, i agree that Mona Lisa was an unwiling particapnt. As an Aussie could you do analysis of Steve Irwin? Whats your take on his demise+

I recall when this happened I just couldnt believe people were so unaware of gun safety

That does it. I'm going to stop wearing these potholders as a bulletproof vest. I wish I knew who gave me that crazy idea.

That would be a very stupid thing to do. The 50 caliber Dessert Eagle puts out about 1400 foot pounds of force and is one of the most powerful handguns in the world. Only a complete idiot would think a 1.5 inch book would stop the bullet.

Suggested/.similar case:“Daniel Maran, Robert Milazzo and George Proestos staged the fake robbery outside of an automated teller machine in Sydney”… it did not go well for them. I’d really love you hear your analysis on this one two. Thanks Dr G!

The only thing this young father accomplished was ruining the lives of his family. He got the crazy / stupid part right . I agree with your analysis and I think social media has ruined the lives of many young people who want attention (likes) popularity and fame. God bless those poor kids .

Well said, Dr. Grande. I almost always agree with your analysis and judgement on the verdict of each case. In this situation, I agree that Perez's sentence was too harsh.

“Anyways” is now ubiquitous and “anyway” is quickly vanishing.

Yeah, she shouldn't have been punished. He was the significant driver of the whole thing. There was no intent to harm from her at all.

Maybe if he would have paid attention to what is actually inside of books he wouldn't have even thought of such a dopey idea!

The fact this kid had that gun to begin with scares me.

Dude should've been holding On the Origin of Species.

Dying to be famous. I remember back when this stunt happened. It was a “wth were you thinking” moment that I shook my head at. Nothing says ‘young and ignorant’ quite so much as those who say, “We’re all going to die anyway” before doing something idiotically reckless.

A lot of guys need to learn how to accept "No" for an answer. She didn't want to do it, but he kept harassing her about the prank and she finally gave in. They prefer to learn the hard way.

I remember when this incident happened, and I was actually thinking about it the other day … I’m glad Monalisa has (assumedly) moved on. Thanks for the video, Dr. G.

The real tragedy is that he put innocent children into this world before he came up with this grand idea.

DARWIN AWARD 2017

Now her current husband is missing. A bit sus.

Under 27 years old with an undeveloped frontal lobe.

Hi Dr grande, can you analyze the case of Charles Vacca, an instructor at a recreational shooting range in Arizona called Bullets and Burgers, accidentally shot and killed by a 9 year old girl learning how to shoot a sub machine gun?

I remember this. It's sad but good lord these people probably should not have bred.

Keep up the great work Dr Grande!

You had me at “DESERT ACTION EXPRESS”. It penetrates light body armor and books.

This trio has the best brains from Pedro not knowing simple ballistics, the gf going along with all this then her and the new bf starting a street wear clothing line in the Dakotas. I can’t argue with Dr.G’s opinion on the gf’s ultimate lack of culpability.

I have very little sympathy for ppl that do dangerous pranks and stunts like this. And absolutely zero sympathy for those that have family and children who do it. It’s incredibly selfish.

Im not sure why jail time was given , I know she pulled the trigger , but this was pressure put on her , he convinced her it was safe , she wouldn't know any different, especially when he showed her his "experiment" of it being "safe" . The trauma of this happening is a huge punishment in itself , she didn't want it to happen and she didn't want to do it. Even at 19 and an adult , this was pure pressure from him wanting to be famous, he was so desperate to do it , she probably felt she would be ruining his Internet fame by not helping him. At least the jail time she did was minimal , but was it really worth it , what's the point in putting a 19 year old who was manipulated into doing something dangerous into a prison where she can be manipulated to do things she wouldn't want to do.

Smooth voice. Funny. Easy to understand (excellent explanation) informative. Definitely one of my fav Doc on RU-vid.❤

When he said Desert Eagle and hard covered encyclopedia i knew this wasn't going to end well

Amazing as always ❤ I'd love to hear your thoughts on Raoul Moat. It's an old case now but I remember being so shocked at how extreme someone's actions could be. My psychology lecturer used to use him as an extreme example of an out of control narcissist.

Are you kidding? Believing a book could stop a bullet. Did Pedro get advice on gun safety from Lauren Boebert?

Weve all been at that age where you feel invincible, but this guy was at a whole nee level

YESSSS! Anyone else get this excited every time Dr G drops a new video?! 😂

Chase "near-death" experiences long enough and one will be more than "near."

No one has ever entered an abandoned house a few miles away because they were hoping to find books.

I recall hearing about this when it happened. Now I know the results. Thanks whoever suggested it.

At least the DA didn't throw the book at her.

I don’t agree that the punishment was too harsh, and think she should have got longer. Not a very long sentence, but one to two years. Pedro did manipulate and pressurize her, but she has to take some responsibility for giving in to that and enabling her children’s father’s life to be endangered.

Ya can't fix stupid. ~THE END~

Watching 30 seconds of Kentucky Ballistics or Demolition Ranch prior to this stunt could have saved a lot of heartache

I wonder how many people have actually been killed by a .50AE round. I can't imagine it's been too many.

We had a similar case here in the UK where two childhood friends of about 16 found what they believed was a police stab proof vest. In reality it was just a black body armour cover with no filling. That being said when they were drunk and decided to try it the one lad's aim was so bad he stabbed his mate in the armpit, missing the vest entirely and almost cleaved the heart in two with a carving knife. Convicted of murder, mainly through recklessness.

Definition: manslaughter occurs when someone is acting recklessly and aware of their potentially fatal actions. Instead of stopping, they continue with their reckless acts, and this leads to another person's death. She knew he could die. She did it anyway. The way she served her time was not as severe as it could have been. I think what she pled to was word for word accurate. I definitely do not believe it was too light. He pressured her incessantly and convinced her he knew enough about what he was doing to get her to do it. So, I would have been fine with a lesser charge because ultimately she would most likely never have done this without his influence.

I agree with you completely on this analysis, Dr Grande. 👍

This is almost a textbook (pun intended) example of how bad ideas come to be, this is about as good/bad as it gets. Like a real life Far Side comic strip. I remember this when it happened.