Court briefs for November 8, 2000

Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2000 | 9:37 a.m.

High court upholds murder conviction

CARSON CITY -- The Nevada Supreme Court has upheld the murder conviction of Sharmarlo A. Tinch, who was found guilty of a 1994 gang-related shooting in Las Vegas.

The court Monday rejected Tinch's argument that his attorney was ineffective for failing to fully investigate the case and failing to search for more alibi evidence.

Tinch was sentenced to consecutive life terms in prison with the possibility of parole for the killing of Dentral Washington, who was shot to death from a passing car in February 1994. Washington and Tinch belonged to rival gangs.

Three witnesses identified Tinch as the shooter. Two defense witnesses testified Tinch was at a Las Vegas home at the time of the shooting.

Arlanders Gibson, believed to be the driver of the car, pleaded guilty to a lesser charge and received a three-year prison term.

Woman pleads not guilty

A woman charged with two others in a Henderson double homicide pleaded not guilty Tuesday morning.

District Judge Kathy Hardcastle scheduled Cynda Ann Wasso's trial for Jan. 8.

Authorities believe Ralph Goodman, 23, and Stephen Ciolino, 31, stabbed and shot David Bender, 21, and Steve Szany, 22, to death during a drug deal on Aug. 22.

Police believe Wasso was the getaway driver and helped clean up the blood-soaked car.

Prosecutors filed a notice last week announcing their intention to seek the death penalty against Goodman and Ciolino.

Ciolino's preliminary hearing is set for Nov. 16. Goodman has already been bound over for trial.