Suspect pleads not guilty in attack on gambler
A California man pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges related to a robbery and assault of a professional poker player at a Primm resort last year.
Edmond Price, 32, who was indicted by a grand jury in October, faces eight felony charges, including first-degree kidnapping, attempted murder and robbery, in connection with a June 26, 2010, incident at Whiskey Pete’s hotel. He faces 15 years to life in prison if convicted on all counts.
Ron “The Duke of Fremont” Wall was at Whiskey Pete’s to purchase gold and silver from a man he had dealt with before. Wall was carrying $137,000 in cash.
Authorities said Wall entered a hotel room to view the precious metals and was attacked by a man and a woman, who bludgeoned him with items in the room, including a toilet tank cover, a lamp and an iron. Wall also was stabbed.
Wall suffered numerous injuries in the attack. His ribs, cheek bones and nose were broken. Both of his hands had defensive stab wounds and were fractured. He suffered a concussion and numerous cuts to his head.
Price of San Luis Obispo, Calif., was arrested on June 29, 2010, in California for outstanding warrants. He was extradited from California to Nevada earlier this month.
At the time of his arrest, Price was with Victoria Elizabeth Edelman, who authorities described as his girlfriend.
Wall was able to pick both Price and Edelman out of photo lineups.
Edelman, 24, was indicted in August 2010 on similar charges.
Price told District Judge James Bixler he would represent himself and asked for a speedy trial.
Bixler obliged and set the trial for Aug. 22.
Price also asked for the medical records showing Wall’s injuries. Price disputed the severity of Wall’s injuries and whether he was beaten for two hours. Prosecutor Roy Nelson pointed out that part of the victim’s scalp was found on the floor of the hotel room.
Both Price and Edelman are at the Clark County Detention Center on $2 million bail.
Contact reporter Francis McCabe at
fmccabe@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-1039.
