Las Vegas authorities have identified a man with an extensive criminal history as the lead suspect responsible for the wild gunfire and fiery crash that left three people dead and shut down part of the famed Strip.

Police were searching for Ammar Harris, 26, also known as Ammar Asim Faruq Harris.

Meanwhile, the families of the three victims found themselves bounded by the tragedy, a collision of gun, glitz and death at one of the most famous intersections in the world.

One victim was a two-time breast-cancer survivor and businesswoman on her way to the airport. Her cab driver, who also died, had just paid off one house and bought another; she was his first fare of the day.

The third victim was a rapper who could be described as all hype -- and his former attorney means that in the best way possible.

"His lyrics were very violent, and he came across as a violent gangster rapper, which wasn't the real Kenny," Bob Beckett recalled of Ken Cherry, also known as Kenny Clutch. For eight years, Beckett handled his parking tickets -- not gangbanger stuff.

The distinction matters, especially now.

"It's Hollywood. It's not real, it's pretend, but sometimes people can't distinguish between the pretend personas that are portrayed and real life," Beckett said. "And that's the danger of playing that role when it's really just an act."

Cherry, who came from a somewhat well-to-do family in Oakland, was shot dead early Thursday morning during a scenario that could have been a gang-dream rap video, and police say Cherry's demise came at the hands of the real deal.

Harris has previously been arrested in Las Vegas on suspicion of kidnapping, sexual assault and robbery, police said. They could not say Saturday which arrests led to convictions but said he has also been arrested for being an ex-felon in possession of a gun.

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