News briefs for Oct. 8, 2003

Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2003 | 9:33 a.m.

Not guilty plea entered in killing

The man charged with shooting his girlfriend to death outside a Las Vegas karaoke bar in August pleaded not guilty to murder and robbery charges in Clark County District Court Tuesday.

Vannasone Quanbengboune, 33, remains in custody at the Clark County jail and is scheduled for trial in June 2004.

Quanbengboune is charged with the Aug. 7 murder of Raynna Bunyou, 38, outside of the Bangkok Boom restaurant at 3111 S. Valley View Blvd., near Desert Inn Road. They allegedly argued in the parking lot before Bunyou was shot and killed.

Quanbengboune is further charged with taking Bunyou's car from the scene and fleeing. He was arrested about a week later in Oklahoma City after a five-hour standoff with authorities.

Teens claim assault by mom's boyfriend

A 46-year-old Las Vegas man was arrested by Metro Police on Monday on charges that he sexually assaulted his girlfriend's 14- and 15-year-old daughters.

Rodney K. Williams was charged with 10 counts of sexual assault with a victim under 14, one count of sexual assault with a victim under 16, 10 counts of open and gross lewdness with a minor under 14, and one count of open and gross lewdness.

The charges relate to alleged incidents between January 2000 and December 2002, according to a police warrant.

One of the victims made a written statement that she was often picked up from school and taken home to be assaulted. The statement said this happened 30 to 50 times.

Coast Guardsman receives medal

A Coast Guardsman from Nevada is being recognized for extraordinary bravery during an ocean rescue off the coast of Oregon.

Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev., presented a special gold medal to Petty Officer Roman Baligad, a Gardnerville native and graduate of Douglas High School.

"He is an inspiration to all," Gibbons said at a ceremony in Washington Tuesday attended by Baligad's wife, Lynn, and son, Hayden, 8.

The U.S. Coast Guard earlier awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross Medal to Baligad and others who aided in the daring rescue of four men from a sinking tugboat in December.