Lonnie Theodore Binion, also known as Ted Binion, resounds with the opulent world of Las Vegas casinos and the obscure criminal underworld.
Born on November 28, 1943, Binion transcended being just a gambling executive; he embodied a multi-dimensional persona whose life concluded tragically on September 17, 1998.
Let’s delve into the intricate narrative of his homicide, delving into his formative years, professional trajectory, personal trials, and the contentious circumstances encircling his demise.
Early Years of Binion
The odyssey of Ted Binion commenced in Dallas, Texas, as the offspring of renowned casino tycoon Benny Binion.
Alongside his elder sibling, Jack, and three sisters, Ted moved to Las Vegas in 1946, immersing into his father’s casino domain at Binion’s Horseshoe.
He embraced a unique perspective on gambling during his formative years, laying the groundwork for his upcoming involvement in the family business.
Ted also encountered the rugged existence of a Montana cattle ranch, spending summers laboring alongside ranch hands at the family’s retreat.
His exposure to the glamorous casino milieu and the rustic ranch life would mold his character and intrigues in the future.
The Ascent and Decline of a Casino Heir
In 1964, Benny Binion regained control of Binion’s Horseshoe after overcoming legal tribulations.
Facing a revoked gaming license due to a criminal conviction, Benny relinquished the reins to his young sons, Jack and Ted.
At the ages of 23 and 21, respectively, they assumed pivotal positions in the casino’s operations.
Ted, in particular, wholeheartedly embraced his role as the casino manager, becoming the face of the Horseshoe’s poker tournaments and nightlife ambiance.
His charismatic persona and penchant for the high life endeared him to gamblers and socialites.
However, Ted’s life took a dark turn in the mid-1980s when he was apprehended on drug trafficking charges and associated with organized crime figure Herbert “Fat Herbie” Blitzstein.
The Nevada Gaming Control Board suspected him of using his live-in girlfriend, Sandy Murphy, as a means to launder money.
These accusations strained his personal life, resulting in the estrangement of his wife and daughter.
Secrets and Strife
Ted Binion’s predilection marked his personal life with narcotics, including marijuana, Xanax, and the illicit drug tar heroin.
Additionally, his association with Sandy Murphy raised eyebrows and incited suspicions.
In 1996, his gaming license was temporarily revoked, prohibiting him from any managerial position and subjecting him to routine drug testing.
His clashes with drugs and entanglements with the law painted a grim portrayal of a man torn between his family legacy and personal demons.
Following his expulsion from the casino, Ted Binion invested in a mysterious endeavor: a 12-foot-deep vault in the Nevada desert.
This subterranean refuge housed a fortune in silver bullion, rare coins, and Horseshoe Casino chips, estimated to be worth millions.
The vault would subsequently become a focal point in the investigation of his demise.
Ted Binion Homicide and Aftermath
On September 17, 1998, Ted Binion was discovered deceased on a mattress in his Las Vegas estate residence.
Empty pill bottles were in proximity, and an autopsy unveiled a lethal mixture of Xanax and heroin in his system.
Initially deemed a suicide, doubts arose due to the circumstances encircling his passing.
The peculiar presence of heroin raised queries about whether a heroin addict would consume the drug in that manner.
Further suspicions emerged when the Clark County Coroner’s office reclassified his demise as a homicide in May 1999.
Las Vegas homicide detectives suspected foul play and pointed fingers at Sandy Murphy and her paramour, Rick Tabish.
Evidence suggested that the death scene could have been staged. The ensuing trial would unravel a convoluted web of conspiracy, intrigue, and avarice.
Murder Trial and Re-trial
In May of 2000, subsequent to a highly publicized trial that captivated the nation’s attention, Murphy and Tabish were found guilty of Binion’s murder.
Murphy received a sentence of 22 years to life, while Tabish was handed a 25-year-to-life prison term.
However, their convictions underwent a reversal in 2003, courtesy of the Nevada Supreme Court.
Identifying flaws in jury instructions and testimony tainted by bias.
The subsequent re-trial in 2004 yielded different results. Murphy and Tabish were acquitted of murder charges but convicted on lesser charges of burglary and grand theft.
Tabish’s sentence was also reduced, encompassing parole, and he ultimately regained his freedom in 2010.
Media Coverage of the Captivating Ted Binion Murder Story
The murder case captured the media’s fascination and spurred various forms of coverage.
Fact-based literary works such as “Death in the Desert” by Cathy Scott and “An Early Grave” by Gary C. King provided detailed chronicles of the events.
Television series like CSI and 48 Hours Mystery dedicated episodes to the case, while documentaries like “Who Wants to Kill a Millionaire” delved into the complexities of the crime.
The lawsuit also influenced popular culture, with fictional adaptations like “The Defenders” drawing inspiration from the trial.
A Grim Legacy
The saga of Ted Binion’s murder remains a haunting chapter in the annals of true crime.
The narrative of a casino heir ensnared in a labyrinth of addiction, romance, and treachery paints a somber portrayal of the often concealed realities behind the allure of Las Vegas.
While the legal battles may have ceased, the enigma surrounding Ted Binion’s death continues to enthrall.
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