Daniel Rodimer: Ex-GOP candidate and WWE wrestler accused in Las Vegas hotel homicide surrenders

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA: Former GOP Congressional candidate and WWE wrestler Daniel Rodimer, 45, has turned himself in on a murder charge in Las Vegas.

The accusation is related to the death of Christopher Tapp, 47, which occurred on October 29, 2023.

Daniel Rodimer accused of Christopher Tapp murder

Tapp, recently exonerated after serving 20 years for a wrongful conviction, was found dead in a Resorts World suite.

Originally deemed an accident, his death was later re-classified as a homicide by the Clark County Coroner's Office, citing "blunt force trauma" to his head.

Rodimer, a married father-of-six, surrendered at the Clark County Detention Center on Wednesday night, March 6. Legal representatives for the suspect assert that he "vigorously contests" the allegations, as reported by 8News Now.

Police indicated that Tapp had been involved in an 'altercation' before his death.

Rodimer, hailing from Rockaway, New Jersey, rose to prominence as a wrestler after winning WWE's Tough Enough contest in 2004, eventually working with WWE under the name Dan Rodimer.

Tapp had served 20 years in prison for murder and rape

The victim, Tapp, tragically met his end not long after being released from prison, where he served time for a wrongful conviction in the rape and murder of 18-year-old Angie Dodge in Idaho.

Initially charged in 1997 and maintaining his innocence, his case was eventually taken up by the Idaho Innocence Project.

Carol Dodge, the victim's mother, doubted Tapp's responsibility after reviewing interrogation videos. However, Tapp's lawyer successfully argued coercion in 2017, leading to the vacating of the conviction but leaving him with a guilty record.

In 2019, DNA evidence linked Brian Dripps to the crime scene, resulting in the late suspect's full exoneration and Dripps' sentencing to 20 years in jail.

Returning to normal life, Tapp married, bought a home, and secured employment at a factory. He advocated for legislation ensuring compensation for the wrongfully convicted, which became law in 2021.

Today, wrongfully incarcerated individuals receive $62,000 for each year served and $75,000 annually for those on death row.

Daniel Rodimer unsuccessfully attempted to run twice for Congress

In 2020, Rodimer unsuccessfully challenged Democratic Rep Susie Lee for Nevada's District 3 seat, followed by a move to Texas for a run as a Republican in a District 6 special election, earning just over 2,000 votes.

Known for his ties to WWE and his political pursuits, he drew attention for branding himself as the 'Trump candidate,' falsely claiming an endorsement from Donald Trump's team.

Rodimer's diverse background includes law school graduation, participation in semi-pro football, and a career as a personal trainer.