Ep 10. Las Vegas: Deadly Jackpot
- TV14
- October 5, 1999
- 46 min
City Confidential follows the stories of infamous crime cases that have put their respective cities on the map for all the wrong reasons. Episode 10 of the first season, titled "Las Vegas: Deadly Jackpot," examines the unsettling murder of Ted Binion, who was heir to the Binion casino fortune.
On September 17th, 1998, Ted Binion was found dead in his luxury home located in Las Vegas. The official report declared that the cause of death was a lethal combination of drug overdose and choking on his own vomit. However, Binion's girlfriend Sandra Murphy and her lover Rick Tabish, who were both present at his home the time of his death, quickly found themselves at the center of a murder investigation. Authorities suspected that Binion may have been intentionally killed and the couple was allegedly involved.
As the investigation unfolded, a number of questionable events and individuals were brought to light, revealing a complex web of deceit and corruption in the world of the casino industry. One of the key figures in the case was a shady businessman named Robert Randolph, who had previously been banned from casinos for his involvement in cheating schemes. Randolph had a long-standing rivalry with Binion and was suspected of trying to steal millions of dollars worth of silver from the Binion estate.
Another important element of the story was the involvement of Murphy and Tabish. The couple was found to have conducted suspicious activities leading up to and following Binion's death, including transporting silver bars from his home. Additionally, they were both discovered to have had prior criminal records, which raised further suspicions about their potential involvement in the murder.
As the trial proceeded, the defense argued that Binion had not been murdered, but had instead accidentally overdosed on drugs due to his well-known addiction. However, the prosecution painted a picture of a calculated and premeditated murder, orchestrated by Murphy and Tabish in conjunction with Robert Randolph. The case was highly publicized and drew widespread attention, particularly due to its connections to the Binion casino empire.
In the end, the jury found both Murphy and Tabish guilty of first-degree murder, and they were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Randolph was also convicted of conspiracy to commit murder and grand larceny and was given a lengthy prison sentence.
City Confidential's "Las Vegas: Deadly Jackpot" offers a riveting exploration of a high-profile crime that rocked one of America's most infamous cities. By delving into the complicated relationships and motivations of those involved, the episode sheds light on the darker side of the casino industry and the corrupt forces that operate within it. Through interviews with law enforcement officials, legal experts, and those close to the case, viewers gain a deeper understanding of the circumstances surrounding Ted Binion's death and the subsequent investigation and trial.