Murder conviction of Rudin is upheld

Thursday, April 1, 2004 | 11:39 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- In a 4-2 decision, the Nevada Supreme Court today upheld the conviction of Margaret Rudin, who was found guilty in the murder of her husband, a prominent Las Vegas real-estate executive.

The court, in the majority decision written by Justice Deborah Agosti, rejected claims by Rudin that the District Court admitted unreliable expert testimony, that she did not get a fair trial because of judicial misconduct and that one of her trial lawyers was unable to adequately prepare for trial.

Ron Rudin disappeared in December 1994 and fishermen discovered his charred remains near Nelson's Landing at Lake Mohave on Jan. 21, 1995. He had been shot several times in the head.

Justices Bob Rose and Bill Maupin dissented on today's decision. They said Rudin was entitled to a new trial.

Rose, who wrote the dissent, said there was sufficient evidence that the defense was totally unprepared to try this case and that defense lawyer Michael Amador had a "substantial conflict of interest with his client."

Rose said Amador admitted his opening statement was inadequate and that he could barely keep his eyes open after giving his opening statement. He said Amador admitted he could have done a better job interviewing and investigating the state's witnesses.

Rudin contended that Amador was guilty of misconduct on grounds he improperly attempted to secure media rights to Rudin's story and his actions deprived her of a fair trial.

The trial garnered significant media coverage.

The majority opinion said, "While we do not approve of Amador's alleged acts concerning Rudin's literary and media rights, the record is insufficient to permit the conclusion that Amador's performance during trial was adversely affected by this alleged conflict of interest."

The majority also noted the District Court named two additional lawyers to help in the defense.

Margaret was sentenced to two consecutive life terms in prison with the possibility of parole after 20 years.