The high-profile case of Ted Binion’s death in September 1998 is the subject of NBC News’ ‘Dateline: What Happens in Vegas.’
Ted’s death was initially judged a drug overdose before being ruled a homicide in a drama with many twists and turns.
Rick Tabish, Ted’s friend, was convicted of murdering him and taking his silver in 2000.
However, Rick’s conviction was reversed a few years later, and he was soon set free. So, if you’re curious about what he’s been up to since then, we’ve got you covered.
Also Read: Ted Binion Murder: Where Is Sandy Murphy Now?
Rick Tabish discusses the Nevada Supreme Court decision that overturned his murder conviction and that of his codefendant Sandy Murphy during an interview at the High Desert Prison on Tuesday, July 15, 2003. Tabish was convicted of the 1998 murder of casino owner Ted Binion.
Rick Tabish, Who is He?
A Montana contractor named Rick Tabish encountered Ted in a motel toilet in Las Vegas, Nevada.
He was in debt at the time and had previous convictions for violent violence, cocaine selling, and theft.
“Teddy started giving him jobs, you know, odd tasks here and there to do things for him,” Sandy, Ted’s live-in partner at the time, claimed. He’s the one who built the vault, for example.”
Sandy was referring to an underground storage facility for Ted’s $7 million worth of bullion, money, and casino chips.
Back then, only Ted and Rick had the combination to open the vault. By that time, the Nevada State Gaming Commission had barred the wealthy from entering the profitable family-run Horseshoe Casino.
While Ted increased his heroin usage, Rick became friends with Sandy and eventually grew quite close to her.
“[Binion] became distant with [Murphy], shoving her away, and here I was,” Rick explained.
“I was smitten by her.” Rick and Sandy started dating. “Well, I only had sex with him once at the Peninsula Hotel,” the latter eventually admitted.
Ted was found dead at his house in September 1998 from what appeared to be a heroin overdose, in a tragic turn of events.
Rick, however, was observed digging into the vault with two others just two days later and was quickly apprehended.
Rick claimed that Ted urged him to give the silver to his daughter, Bonnie if he ever died.
Ted’s residence was missing money and other valuable valuables, prompting the investigators to explore the possibility that he was murdered for financial gain.
Rick was also charged in a kidnapping case in which he and an associate battered and threatened to kill a business rival in order to get him to back off.
Regarding Rick’s role in Ted’s death, a childhood buddy, Kurt, said that Rick approached him and begged for his assistance in killing Ted, promising to pay him as well.
What happened to Rick Tabish & Where is He?
Authorities suspected Sandy and Rick of plotting to murder Ted and steal the silver and money at the time.
After expert testimony from a doctor suggested that Ted was choked to death, both of them were convicted of Ted’s murder in 2000.
The two were put on trial again after their conviction was overturned in 2003. Rick and Sandy were acquitted of murder this time but were found guilty of conspiracy, grand theft, and burglary.
Rick, who had previously been convicted of extortion, was returned to prison to complete his sentence.
He had also been sentenced to 12-60 months in prison for burglary and grand larceny, as well as 18-60 months in prison on a weapons offence.
Rick was freed from prison on parole in January 2010, when he was 44 years old. He then relocated to Montana, where he resided with his parents.
Rick focused his energies after his release on reclaiming his life. He allegedly runs a cryptocurrency mining operation in Butte, Montana, and has made data centre investments over the years.
“These projects, once completed, will enable me to achieve wonderful things for other people,” Rick stated of his job. That is where I find happiness. And I want my children to think well of me.”
