Jury Foresees Reason for Parole in Sentencing Casino Heir’s Slayers

The lovers convicted of killing casino heir Ted Binion should be sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 20 years, the same jury that convicted them recommended Wednesday.

Jurors, who deliberated eight days before convicting Sandy Murphy and Rick Tabish of first-degree murder, took only an hour and a half to decide on sentencing.

“They felt that there’s a chance for rehabilitation,” said District Judge Michael Cherry, a spokesman for the trial who talked with jurors about their decision.

The verdict came after a two-day penalty hearing marked by anguished cries from the defendants’ families.

Murphy, 28, sobbed Wednesday as she read a statement apologizing to the gambler’s daughter.

Murphy and Tabish could have been sentenced to life in prison without parole or to 50 years with parole possible after 20.

Formal sentencing will be in 45 to 90 days.