Tabish, Murphy get more time to file motions

LAS VEGAS - Convicted murderers Rick Tabish and Sandy Murphy have been granted two additional weeks to file their motions for a new trial.

The defendants, convicted last month of the September 1998 slaying of gambling figure Ted Binion, had been scheduled to file their written motions by June 29.

District Judge Joseph Bonaventure on Friday granted attorneys for Tabish and Murphy until July 13 to file their motions. Prosecutors did not oppose the request.

Also this week, Bill Terry replaced Louis Palazzo as the attorney for Tabish. Terry represented Murphy in the early stages of the case.

Tabish's parents said last month they were not dissatisfied with Palazzo's representation, but thought it wise to have different attorneys handle the trial and the appeal.

Attorney John Momot remains the attorney for Murphy, whom he represented at trial.

The jury recommended that Murphy, 28, and Tabish, 35, be sentenced to life in prison with parole eligibility after 20 years.

Bonaventure is scheduled to formally sentence Murphy and Tabish on Aug. 11.