Man Sentenced to Life in Prison with No Parole for Killing Canadian Tourist

Friday, June 14, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

The sentence came after attorneys on both sides agreed to waive any appeal rights connected to alleged juror misconduct in the case. One of the jurors was suspected of conducting legal research in the case and sharing his findings with the other jurors in violation of the judge's orders.

Patrick Randle, a former Henderson resident, was convicted last week of first-degree murder with a deadly weapon for fatally shooting Roger Champagne on March 24, 1994.

Jurors announced they had reached a verdict Thursday, but District Judge Sally Loehrer ordered her bailiff to seal the verdict while she considered the prosecutor's request for a mistrial. She was expected to rule on the matter Friday, but the prosecutors dropped their motion and agreed to accept the jury's verdict.

Randle robbed Lorette Champagne in the recreational vehicle park at Sam's Town hotel-casino after shooting her 57-year-old husband three times. The woman said she had to return to Alberta Thursday night and was disappointed she could not stay to see the outcome of the case.

Prosecutors asked the jury to impose a death sentence, while defense attorneys argued for a sentence of life in prison with no chance for parole.

Juror Timothy Kepner told the judge he found some old law books Wednesday night and used them to gather information about defendants' appeal rights and about the consequences of a hung jury.

Kepner said he shared what he learned with the other jurors Thursday morning.

"This did not make any difference in our decision," he said.

Mrs. Champagne said it did not matter to her whether Randle was executed or not.

"I respect whatever the jury comes up with," she said before leaving town. "They worked real hard and I respect their decision as long as he's not on the street."

Randle was on parole when he killed Champagne.