Psychics hope to commune with Binion

Stacy J. Willis

Friday, April 14, 2000 | 11:21 a.m.

Mr. Binion are you out there?

A seance will be held Wednesday night "to summon the spirit of Ted Binion" and "find out the true nature" of his death, according to an announcement distributed this week by Psychic Eye Book Shop.

"I would say this is as good as anything as far as predicting what the outcome of the trial will be," said Robert Leysen, who owns the chain of metaphysical book stores and will lead the seance. "Or at least it'll be good for a laugh."

Sandy Murphy and Rick Tabish are charged with killing casino heir Binion and stealing his valuables. The defense team says Binion is responsible for the overdose of heroin and Xanax that killed him.

Psychic Eye publicist Jackie Gladfelter faxed the announcement from the office of Tom Letizia -- a consultant behind the murder defense team's TV ads that poll public opinion about the case.

"I just use Tom's office. But I work independently," said Gladfelter, who has also done public relations for Murphy attorney William Knudson.

Knudson has represented both Murphy and Tabish in civil matters and contends he had lunch with the defendants on the day Binion died.

Leysen, who owns more than a dozen Psychic Eye shops in Nevada and California, said the desire to commune with Binion came to him as he watched the trial.

"We've all been reading about it and watching it, and I thought the only one who really knows what happened is Mr. Binion," said Leysen.

As for his prediction of the jury's verdict, Leysen said, "I think (Murphy and Tabish) appear guilty, but off the top of my head, I'd say I think they're going to get off."

Twelve to 15 psychics will join forces to try to reach Binion's spirit.

The seance will take place at the Psychic Eye Book Shop, 6848 W. Charleston, at 8 p.m. on Wednesday. It is closed to the public, but the results will be revealed.