Judge delays hearing in Binion case

District Judge Michael Cherry today delayed a hearing on whether to allow the late Ted Binion's live-in girlfriend, Sandy Murphy, back into his home until May 28.

Cherry said he needed more time to review new court papers filed by lawyers for Binion's sister, Horseshoe Club owner Becky Behnen.

Behnen is seeking the return of items believed to be in the 2804 Palomino Lane home, which now is under the jurisdiction of Binion's $30 million estate.

Cherry disclosed in court that he represented Behnen before he was elected to the bench, but none of the lawyers in the case asked that he remove himself.

This is the second time in two months that Cherry has delayed a decision on whether to allow the 27-year-old Murphy into the home.

Last March Cherry said he didn't feel comfortable letting Murphy return amid questions about Binion's Sept. 17 death and assets missing from his estate.

Murphy, who stands to inherit the $900,000 house, its contents and $300,000 in cash, is the focus of a homicide investigation into Binion's death.

Homicide detectives also are looking at Montana contractor Rick Tabish, who has been charged with trying to steal $4 million in silver from Binion after his death.

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