Arizona man pleads guilty in slaying of casino worker

Michael Nibbelin, 35, of Bullhead City, pleaded guilty Monday to burglary and second-degree murder charges in the Aug. 23, 1997 killing of Wendy Riggins, 32.

The victim was found in her Bullhead City apartment by a co-worker after she missed a shift at the former Gold River hotel in Laughlin, Nev., now known as the River Palms.

Prosecutor Ted Parks said Riggins was struck at least 14 times with a heavy machete. Parks said Nibbelin was infatuated with Riggins, stalked her, then killed her when she spurned his overtures.

Nibbelin traveled to Minnesota, where he was arrested six days later when he confided in a friend.

Parks said some mental-health issues clouded his chance for a first-degree murder conviction at trial. The plea was hammered out in a settlement conference attended by Riggins' mother.

A plea agreement entered in Mohave County Superior Court in Kingman mandates a 22-year prison term for the killing, followed by six years for the burglary conviction.

Sentencing is set for March 5.

archive