Dateline NBC “What Happened in Vegas” August 11 2023 Preview
Join investigative journalist Keith Morrison as he delves into the enigmatic demise of Las Vegas casino tycoon Ted Binion in a compelling episode of Dateline titled “What Happened in Vegas.” A serendipitous encounter on the Pacific Coast Highway sets the stage for Morrison’s deep dive into this perplexing case that continues to intrigue to this day.
Guided by Morrison’s reporting, viewers are taken on a journey to revisit the circumstances surrounding Ted Binion’s mysterious death. With Las Vegas, Nevada, as the backdrop, Morrison uncovers hidden layers of the story, presenting interviews with key figures who were intricately tied to Binion’s life and the subsequent investigation.
Former Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, lead investigator Wayne Petersen, family members, and other individuals central to the case provide firsthand accounts and insights, shedding light on the intricate web of events that surrounded Binion’s untimely demise.
What Happened to Ted Binion?
In Las Vegas, where opulence and vice collide, the story of Ted Binion stands out as a compelling tale that echoes the city’s glitzy facade and its hidden underbelly. Born in 1943 as the son of the renowned casino mogul Benny Binion, Ted Binion seemed destined for a life of privilege and power within the realm of high-stakes gambling. Yet, his life took an unexpected and tragic turn, capturing the attention of the world and becoming the focal point of investigations, courtroom drama, and enduring intrigue.
Ted Binion’s life was one filled with excess, controversy, and a seemingly insatiable appetite for risk. He grew up in the lavish world of Las Vegas casinos, inheriting a taste for the high life and the allure of the gambling scene from his father. As a young man, Binion became deeply involved in the family business, eventually managing the legendary Binion’s Horseshoe Casino, which was known for hosting the World Series of Poker.
However, Binion’s life was far from smooth sailing. His association with criminal elements, addiction issues, and a troubled personal life painted a complex picture of a man grappling with his demons. Binion’s downward spiral was intensified when he was suspected of skimming money from his casino and faced legal battles that ultimately led to his license being revoked.
The most tragic chapter of Ted Binion’s life unfolded in 1998 when he was found dead in his Las Vegas home. The circumstances surrounding his death were shrouded in mystery and controversy. Initially ruled as an overdose, further investigation uncovered startling revelations. It was revealed that Binion had been involved in a tumultuous relationship with a former exotic dancer named Sandy Murphy, which added a layer of complexity to the case.
The Investigation
As investigators dug deeper, suspicions arose that Binion’s death might not have been accidental. The discovery of his lifeless body with a lethal combination of drugs in his system, coupled with the presence of Murphy and her lover Rick Tabish, raised questions about foul play. The case took a dramatic turn when authorities uncovered evidence suggesting that Binion had been coerced into rewriting his will, leaving a significant portion of his fortune to Murphy.
The subsequent trial became a media sensation, highlighting the complexities of the Binion family dynamics, the allure of Las Vegas’ high-stakes lifestyle, and the interplay between wealth, power, and crime. Both Murphy and Tabish faced charges related to Binion’s death and the alleged manipulation of his assets.
The trial brought to light sordid details of Binion’s life, including his struggles with addiction and his volatile relationship with Murphy. The defense claimed that Binion’s death was a result of his own actions, while the prosecution argued that the involvement of Murphy and Tabish pointed to a sinister plot to claim Binion’s wealth.
In the end, Sandy Murphy was convicted of lesser charges, including conspiracy to commit grand larceny, while Tabish was convicted of murder and attempted murder. Their convictions were later overturned, and they were granted new trials. The legal proceedings and subsequent convictions would continue to be the subject of debate and speculation.
The story of Ted Binion continues to captivate and mystify, representing a unique blend of Las Vegas glamour, greed, and tragedy. The charismatic scion of a casino dynasty, Ted Binion’s life and death remain a symbol of the darker side of the city’s allure, an enigma that captures the imagination and serves as a cautionary tale of a life lived on the edge.
Experience the suspense and unraveling of a decades-old mystery as Dateline’s “What Happened in Vegas” takes you on a journey into the heart of one of Las Vegas’ most perplexing cases. Tune in on Friday, August 11, at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT to uncover the truth behind the enigma.
