Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

Man found guilty in death of his ex-wife

Clifford McClain, guilty of murder and domestic violence, could be sentenced to life

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Clifford McClain

A jury late Monday found Clifford McClain, 29, guilty of first degree murder in the death of his ex-wife in Las Vegas last year.

He was also found guilty on two counts of domestic violence battery and is facing a minimum of 20 years in prison and a maximum of life without parole, said Clark County District Attorney Phillip Smith.

At approximately 9:30 p.m. — four hours after it left the courtroom — the 12-member jury returned and delivered its verdict before a Clark County District Court courtroom that was somber and quiet, Smith said.

Clifford McClain was charged with murder in the death of his ex-wife, 24-year-old Allainna McClain, whose body was found at a home in Northwest Las Vegas on Feb. 17, 2008.

She was found in the garage by her mother-in-law and the Clark County Coroner ruled the death a homicide due to asphyxiation.

Prosecutors said throughout the two-week-long trial that Clifford McClain struck his ex-wife in the head with a wooden cane and then strangled her.

Clifford McClain testified on Fridaythat he was acting in self-defense and tried to prevent Allainna McClain from grabbing a knife during a heated argument.

Their feet became tangled, he said, and as the couple fell down, Allainna McClain's head struck a parked car and then the floor, he said.

The sentencing phase of the trial begins today.

Jeff O’Brien can be reached at 990-8957 or [email protected].

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