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State Supreme Court rejects appeal of killer

Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2002 | 11:08 a.m.

SUN CAPITAL BUREAU

CARSON CITY -- The Nevada Supreme Court today dismissed the appeal of Tam C. Nguyen, sentenced to life in prison for the murder of a Las Vegas man in what police called a love triangle.

Nguyen, through his lawyer, claimed his trial attorney made 15 errors at lower court proceedings. The court said there was no evidence submitted by Nguyen to back up his allegations.

For instance, he said, the trial lawyer failed to pursue a defense of extreme emotional distress. The court, citing a denial of a prior appeal by Nguyen, said there was evidence of deliberation and premeditation.

Nguyen was sentenced to consecutive life terms with the possibility of parole for the fatal shooting of Dennis Vanduser in April 1998. Nguyen suspected his wife was having an affair with Vanduser.

He hid in the trunk of her car while she was at work. When his wife gave Vanduser a ride home at the end of her shift, Nguyen emerged and fatally shot Vanduser several times.

The court said the "evidence establishing murder by lying in wait was overwhelming."

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