Monalisa Perez (19) aimed a .50 calibre Desert Eagle pistol at Pedro Ruiz lll as he held a hardcover encyclopedia over his chest and fired from 30cm away, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. They thought the thick book would stop the bullet but instead, it pierced his chest. Ruiz died at the couple's home in Halsted.
"Me and Pedro are probably going to shoot one of the most dangerous videos ever. His idea not MINE" she tweeted hours before attempting the stunt gone awry.
Apparently, Ruiz had shot a book before and the bullet did not go all the way through.
His aunt told the newspaper that Ruiz was a gun enthusiast and thrill seeker who liked to put a "dangerous twist on everything he did."
Another relative told WDAY-TV that Ruiz told her about the stunt and she asked him why he was doing it.
"'Because we want more viewers. We want to get famous," was his reply.
The couple, who have a 3-year-old daughter, have a channel on YouTube that is called "LaMonaLisa" where they have posted dozens of videos like "Doing scary stunts at the fair," "He couldn't feel his legs," "Baby powder donut prank on boyfriend!!! Nasty!" and "Staying at a haunted hotel!!"
"Welcome to our channel loves!!" said the description on the page. "Our Vlogs will show you the real life of a young couple who happen to be teen parents. From highs to lows. Achievements to struggles.Join the fun, Follow our journey!"
According to the Star-Tribune, the couple set the shooting up outside and recorded it with at least two cameras. Their daughter was nearby and there were also several witnesses. Authorities said the video will not be released.
Perez was arrested and charged with second-degree manslaughter. If convicted she could face 10 years in prison, a $20,000 fine or both, the Associated Press reported.
