Snapped Season 4 Episode 1 Sandy Murphy

Sandy Murphy, the first episode of Snapped season 4, tells the story of a beautiful Las Vegas exotic dancer whose life takes a dramatic turn after an extraordinary weekend, one which would forever change the course of her life.

The episode begins with snapshots of Sandy's exotic dancing career and her lavish lifestyle with her millionaire boyfriend, Ted Binion, a businessman and former casino owner. Following the demise of his father, Ted had inherited millions of dollars and it is said that Sandy met Ted while working as a stripper in one of his clubs.

The documentary then takes us through the ups and downs of the couple's relationship, which was marred with allegations of drug abuse, infidelity, and physical abuse. It was reported that Sandy had called 911 multiple times reporting Ted for violence.

On September 17th, 1998, Ted Binion was found dead in his home under suspicious circumstances. Despite an initial ruling that his death was an overdose, the case was reopened following allegations from Ted's family that Sandy had played a role in his death.

The episode then takes us through the twists and turns of the investigation and trial, with several testimonies from friends, family, and acquaintances of Sandy and Ted. The documentary also features courtroom sketches, police footage, and interviews with key players in the case, with a focus on the primary suspects: Sandy Murphy and her lover Rick Tabish, a contractor who had been hired by Ted.

The majority of the episode is spent exploring Sandy's possible motive for killing Ted, as well as examining the physical evidence that was presented during the trial. Although the prosecution argued that Sandy was involved in a plot with Rick Tabish to steal Ted's silver, valuables, and cash, her defense team argued that Ted had died of an accidental overdose, and that Sandy was being scapegoated because she was the last person to see him alive.

Throughout the episode, we see glimpses of Sandy's family life and support network, which includes her parents, siblings, and her attorney. Her defense lawyers claimed she was an innocent girlfriend caught up in a convoluted plot to steal Binion's money and valuables.

The episode concludes with the verdict, followed by an analysis of the impact the case had on the Binion family, the city of Las Vegas, and the wider public.

Sandy Murphy was one of the most high-profile cases in modern Vegas history, and this episode of Snapped offers a thorough examination of the evidence, legal strategy, and public reaction that defined the trial. It is an engaging, well-produced documentary that deftly balances the need for factual accuracy and gripping storytelling, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in true crime.