1970 - 1979

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Homicide@LVMPD.com

Case #: 79-17110

Victim: Laurie Gay Hesselink, 21
Suspect: Unknown
Location: 148 Ida Street, Apt. 50, Las Vegas, NV
Date: March 9, 1979 (8 p.m.) to March 10, 1979 (4:30 a.m.)

Synopsis: Sometime during the evening of March 9, 1979 between 8:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m., unknown person or persons entered the residence of Laurie Gay Hesselink and murdered her by use of ligature. Her door was observed to be open by a friend who was walking by the apartment and looked inside. Laurie's body was observed lying on the floor. Laurie lived alone and was 21 years old at the time of her death.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit www.crimestoppersofnv.com.

Case #: 78-57908

Victim: Irene Bertha Huber, 29
Suspect: Unknown
Location: 4715 Koval Ln. #13 Las Vegas, NV
Date: September 22 – 28, 1978

Synopsis: Irene Huber, a Blackjack dealer, at the Sahara Hotel was last seen on September 22 when she left work. She did not show for her next shift nor had she been seen for several days. Detectives from LVMPD did a welfare check at her apartment on September 28. The detectives had to force the front door to gain entry. Irene was found in her bedroom; deceased from an apparent gunshot wound. The investigating detectives believed a struggle had taken place in the bedroom. Investigators looked at a number of motives; including the possibility of a gambling scam. No one has been identified as being responsible for Irene's death.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit www.crimestoppersofnv.com..

Case #: 78-56189

Victim #1: Sandra S. Owens, 38
Victim #2: June L. Noah, 57
Suspect: Unknown
Location: 5571 Berchams Ave., Las Vegas, NV
Date: September 19-20, 1978

Synopsis: On September 20, 1978, a neighbor of the victims, went to the front door of the victim's residence, the neighbor looked through the window and saw the victims (mother and daughter) lying in a pool of blood. The subsequent investigation determined that both victims were brutally murdered and suffered numerous wounds; stab, gunshot and blunt trauma. It appears that a good deal of money and valuables had been stolen from the residence.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit www.crimestoppersofnv.com.

Case #: 78-27590

Victim: Vickie Lynn Brekke, 15
Suspect: Unknown
Location: East Lake Mead Blvd. approximately 6 miles east of Mt. Hood in the desert area.
Date: May 8, 1978

Synopsis: On May 7, 1978 Vickie Lynn Brekke departed from her home at 3612 Braddock Street, North Las Vegas, NV to walk to a friend's house. She had called her friend and was to arrive around 5:30 pm. however she never arrived. On May 8, 1978 her body was discovered in the desert area to the east of Sunrise Mountain. The autopsy revealed that Vickie had died as a result of strangulation.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit www.crimestoppersofnv.com.

Case #: 77-49011

Victim: Michael Jeudevine
Suspect: None
Location: five miles east of Hollywood Blvd while travelling on Lake Mead Drive towards Lake Mead Recreational Area.
Date: September 3, 1977

Synopsis: On September 3, 1977, the body of Michael Andrew Jeudevine was found on the way out to Lake Mead Recreation Area. Hikers in the area found the body of Jeudevine, who was a victim of a gun shot wound. Michael was last seen by friends and co-workers in the early hours of August 25, 1977 at the 101 Club. Michael Jeudevine was employed as a cook at the 101 Club.

Michael Jeudevine drove a 1969, Honda, Blue/ White, 350cc motorcycle. He also wore a blue helmet while operating his motorcycle. His motorcycle was recovered at 2426 South Atlantic.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit www.crimestoppersofnv.com.

Case #: 76-54215

Victim: Peter Joseph Bufala, 32
Suspect: Unknown
Location: 7376 South Spencer Ave., Las Vegas, NV
Date: October 8, 1976

Synopsis: Peter Bufala, a baccarat dealer at the MGM Grand Hotel/Casino, was found deceased in his driveway, by a neighbor at approximately 6:15 a.m. The investigation determined that Peter had returned home from work sometime between 4:15 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. Peter exited his vehicle and started for the front door when he was shot by unknown suspect(s).

The investigation looked into a possible financial motive as Peter was an investor in a Sporting Goods store which was going bankrupt. The case detectives submitted a prosecution request to the District Attorney's Office. The District Attorney assigned to the case needed additional corroborating evidence before a warrant could be issued. The detectives were unable to meet that burden.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit www.crimestoppersofnv.com.

WATCH: News 3 Video Vault: The Unsolved murder of a Las Vegas casino dealer

READ: Who Killed Buster by Edward Bufala

Case #: 76-28032

Victim: Benjamin Kaplan, 71
Suspect: Unknown
Location: Apache Motel 407 S. Main St. Las Vegas, NV
Date: May 28, 1976

Synopsis: Benjamin Kaplan, the night clerk at the Apache Motel, was stabbed multiple times by an unknown suspect during an apparent robbery. Benjamin came on duty at 11:00 p.m., to work his graveyard shift. At approximately 11:30 p.m., the manager, who lived on the premises, heard Benjamin yelling. The manager went to the office area and found Benjamin, collapsed on the floor. He was transported to the Southern Nevada Memorial Hospital where he died after surgery. Benjamin told the patrol officer at the hospital, before surgery, that he had been robbed. There were no known witnesses to the attack.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit www.crimestoppersofnv.com.

Case #: 75-23324

Victim: Gerri Ann Ralston, 15
Suspect: Unknown
Location: Henderson Ponds, Pabco Rd. and Hollywood St, Clark County, NV
Date: May 22, 1975

Synopsis: On May 21, 1975, Gerri was reported as a missing person to the Henderson (NV) Police department by her father. She was last seen in route to buy cigarettes at the Maverick Service Station on Boulder Highway. On May 22, 1975, Gerri’s body was found in the pond. She was still wearing the same clothing from the day she disappeared. The subsequent investigation determined that Gerri had been sexually assaulted and strangled. It appears her body had been disposed of at the recovery site in a effort to conceal it, the actual murder site was never located.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit www.crimestoppersofnv.com.

Case #: 74-55078

Victim: Shirley Grover
Suspect: Unknown
Location: Euclid Ave
Date: December 16, 1974

Synopsis: During the evening hours of December 16, 1974, Shirley Grover was home with her 1 ½ year old daughter in their apartment on Euclid Ave. Her husband James Grover who was traveling was unable to reach his wife via phone due to a constant busy signal and requested friends/family check Shirley’s welfare. A neighbor located Shirley deceased inside her apartment and upon the arrival of police, her daughter was located in her bedroom. Shirley was located in her living room deceased from a gunshot wound to the head. There were no signs of forced entry into the apartment. No suspect has been identified.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit www.crimestoppersofnv.com.

Case #: 74-11320

Victim: John Ludlow Dubeck, 39
Victim: Frances Ann Dubeck, 27               
Suspect: Unknown
Location:3679 Palos Verdes St., Apt. 67, Las Vegas, NV 89119
Date: March 19, 1974

Synopsis: On March 19, 1974, at  approximately 11:55 p.m., John and Frances Dubeck were murdered as they walked from their vehicle toward their apartment. The couple was attacked using a 20-gauge shotgun. John Dubeck was shot once in the back, and Frances Dubeck was shot once in the face and neck. 

John Dubeck was employed as a shift manager at the Westward Ho Casino, located at 2900 S. Las Vegas Blvd. He had recently testified in a case involving an illegal gambling conspiracy in California, which implicated high-profile individuals, including reputed Los Angeles crime boss Peter John Milano. Despite John’s murder, all defendants in the case, including John J. Vaccaro, Attorney Martin Callaway, Luigi Gelfuso, and Tony Endreola, were ultimately convicted. 

John Dubeck had a criminal history involving slot cheating and was reportedly involved in rigging craps games. This involvement may have made him a target for retaliation. 

An investigation revealed that Kenneth Trudeau and his father, Robert Trudeau Sr., had possession of the murder weapon before the incident. Kenneth admitted to selling the shotgun to an unknown man he met at a downtown Las Vegas bar weeks before the shooting. However, no evidence conclusively tied anyone to the murders. 

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit www.crimestoppersofnv.com.

READ: Review Journal article June 3, 2024

Case #: 74-3041

Victim: Theodate E. Shiner
Suspect(s): Unknown
Location: 130 North 11th St.
Date: Between January 16, 1974 and January 21, 1974

Synopsis: Theodate E. Shiner, age 75, became the victim of a homicide at her home on 130 North 11th St. sometime between January 16 and January 21, 1974. The victim, who lived alone, was discovered on the floor of her bedroom on January 21, 1974, after her postal carrier became concerned that she had not retrieved her mail.

Investigation revealed that a person, or persons, attempted to enter the house by forcing the door knob with some type of gripping tool. The perpetrator(s) ultimately entered Ms. Shiner's residence by cutting the screen and breaking the glass out of a window located on the east side of the house.

Autopsy results revealed that the victim died from asphyxiation.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit www.crimestoppersofnv.com

Case #: 73-25209

Victim: Robert Frederick Samsel
Suspect(s): Unknown
Location: 3924 Blackford Place, Las Vegas, NV 89102
Date: September 21, 1973

Synopsis: On September 21, 1973, at approximately 12:30 a.m., Las Vegas Police Department officers and detectives were dispatched to 3924 Blackford Place regarding a homicide.

Witnesses reported hearing two gunshots followed by a loud crash at around 12:15 a.m. They observed a Whittlesea Blue Cab on the lawn and patio area of the condominium complex. Witnesses then saw an African American male, approximately 6’0”–6’1” tall, with a medium to slender build and short hair, wearing a dark-colored short-sleeved shirt and pants, running west from the cab.

Responding officers located the victim, identified as Robert Frederick Samsel, slumped over in the front seat of the taxi he had been driving. Samsel had been shot twice in the head. A .25-caliber shell casing was recovered at the scene. The taximeter indicated that the passenger in the cab had traveled only 1.05 miles to reach the alleyway at the condominium complex where the murder occurred.

READ: Las Vegas Review Journal Article September 21, 1973

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385 5555 or visit www.crimestoppersofnv.com 

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 Case #: 73-18123

Victim: Mary Lucille Sundquist, also known as Mary Morgan, 25 
Suspect(s): Unknown
Location: 800 feet east of Lamb Boulevard on Welter Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89104
Date: Between July 30, 1973 and August 1, 1973

Synopsis: On August 1, 1973, the Clark County Sheriff’s Office received a call from personnel at KORK-TV, Channel 3. One of their reporters had located a deceased female near Welter Avenue and Lamb Boulevard.

The reporter told responding deputies and detectives that he had received a phone call at approximately 9:15 a.m. from an unidentified male who stated there was a dead body in that area. The reporter then drove to the location and discovered the victim.

The female was later identified as 25-year-old Mary Lucille Sundquist, also known as Mary Morgan. Sundquist had recently come to Las Vegas from Salt Lake City, Utah, and was staying in an apartment near 100 W. Philadelphia Avenue.

A friend last spoke with Sundquist at approximately 7:30 a.m. on or about July 30, 1973, at the El Rancho Supermarket near Fremont Street and Las Vegas Boulevard. She told the friend she planned to call the man she lived with to get a ride home. That individual was later identified and interviewed by investigators.

READ: Las Vegas Review Journal Article August 2, 1973

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385 5555 or visit www.crimestoppersofnv.com 

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 Case #: 73-245280

Victim: William "Red" Klim, 50 
Suspect: Unknown
Location: Churchill Downs Race and Sportsbook, 3665 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89109
Date: June 22, 1973

Synopsis: On June 22, 1973, at approximately 1:45 p.m., William “Red” Klim was walking in the parking lot of the Churchill Downs Race and Sportsbook located at 3665 S. Las Vegas Boulevard. Klim was shot with a .25 caliber semi-automatic handgun.

Two witnesses, both employees at the Aladdin Hotel and Casino, provided statements to investigators. At the time of his death, Klim was employed at Caesar’s Palace.

Anthony Spilotro was arrested for this murder in 1974; however, it does not appear the District Attorney’s Office filed charges.

The case remains unsolved.

READ: William Klim investment article June 10, 1966

READ: Las Vegas Review Journal January 8, 1974

READ: Las Vegas Review Journal March 5, 1974

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit www.crimestoppersofnv.com.

Case #: 73-9368

Victim: Barbara Jean Kirk, 19
Suspect: Unknown
Location: 2750 East Bonanza Rd, Apt 115-C, Las Vegas, NV
Date: May 3, 1973

Synopsis: At approximately 5:46 a.m., May 3, 1973, Barbara Jean Kirk was discovered inside of her burning apartment by a neighbor who ran to the apartment upon seeing the smoke. The neighbor broke through a window and pull Barbara out of the apartment. The subsequent investigation determined that she had been sexually assaulted and strangled. The suspect then set the apartment on fire in an effort to conceal the murder. Barbara was married to an Airman who was stationed at Nellis Air Force Base. He had left for work an hour prior to the discovery of the fire.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section at (702) 828-3521. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (702) 385-5555 or visit www.crimestoppersofnv.com.

Case #: 72-15095

Victim: George William Coulthard, 56 
Suspect: Unknown
Location: Bank of Nevada Building, 225 E. Bridger Avenue, Las Vegas, NV
Date: July 25, 1972

Synopsis: On July 25, 1972, at approximately 3:40 p.m., William Coulthard left his office at the Bank of Nevada Building located at 225 E. Bridger Avenue in Las Vegas. He entered his 1971 Cadillac, which was parked on  the third level of the garage. Moments later, the vehicle exploded, killing him instantly.

Coulthard was a prominent Las Vegas attorney and a former FBI  agent.