Judge orders house arrest for assailant

Tuesday, Dec. 10, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

James Trujillo, who admitted participating in the attack that nearly killed Richard and Bonnie Stevens, was released from jail last month after his family posted a $100,000 bail.

But on Monday District Judge John McGroarty ordered that Trujillo be placed under house arrest pending his Jan. 22 sentencing in the case.

"It's at least a step in the right direction," said Richard Stevens, who said he and his wife were fearful of being attacked again.

Trujillo faces a possible 80 years in prison when sentenced for his role in the January incident at the Stevens' home in northwest Las Vegas. He pleaded guilty earlier to two attempted murder charges.

In the raid, the couple was confronted by three armed bandits who barged into their home demanding cash and jewelry.

Richard Stevens was shot with a shotgun twice in the stomach when he tried to disarm the gunman and Bonnie Stevens was gunned down outside the home as she tried to flee.

Trujillo agreed to testify against the teenage brothers alleged to have joined him in the robbery. One of those brothers, Nicholas Neff, later pleaded guilty to charges that carry a possible 100 years in prison when he is sentenced.

The third defendant, John Neff, is scheduled to stand trial Jan. 13 on an assortment of charges.

Prosecutors said the attack was alleged to have been in retaliation for the eviction of Trujillo's parents from a condominium owned by the couple.