Killer loses appeal but may get parole soon

Friday, June 28, 2002 | 9:33 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Calvin Thompson, serving a life term for the slaying of a rival gang member in Las Vegas, has lost his appeal to the Nevada Supreme Court, but he may be getting out of prison soon anyway.

The court said Thursday that Thompson waited too long -- 10 years -- to file his petition for a writ of habeas corpus.

He was convicted of murder in November 1988 in the slaying of rival gang member David Vaughns in Las Vegas.

Thompson, now 34, gained clemency earlier this month from the state Board of Pardons that agreed to reduce his two life terms without the possibility of parole to allow him to apply for parole.

State Public Defender Steve McGuire told the pardon's board that Thompson has a circulatory problem and has at best two years to live. McGuire said Thompson's mother wants to get him into the Mayo Clinic.

Thompson will be appearing before the state Parole Board in July seeking his release.

The court also rejected the appeal of Reginald Lucas, sentenced to life in prison for the killing in Las Vegas of Andre Gray.

The court denied his claims that his trial attorney gave him ineffective assistance.

Lucas pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in August 1998 and he will be eligible for parole after 10 years.