Title: Retrial Begins for Man Dubbed the ‘Black Widower’ Who Attempted the Perfect Crime Plan
A man known as the ‘Black Widower’ is facing a retrial for the alleged execution of a meticulously crafted crime plan. Thomas Randolph, charged with two counts of murder and conspiracy, is accused of orchestrating the 2008 killing of his wife, Sharon Clausse, and their supposed handyman. Prosecutors argued that Randolph masterminded the plan to stage an elaborate cover-up but ultimately failed.
Opening statements were delivered on Friday, commencing what is expected to be a three-week-long legal battle in Clark County’s Eighth Judicial District Court. Prosecutor Christopher Hamner emphasized the inconsistencies in Randolph’s account, urging the jury to find him guilty at the conclusion of the trial.
This is not the first time Randolph has faced these charges. In 2017, he was convicted, but a retrial was ordered by the Nevada Supreme Court due to inconsistencies in the presentation of evidence. The prosecution had introduced details about Randolph’s second wife, Becky Gault, who tragically died in 1986. However, the justices ruled that this information should not have been presented to the jury.
Following the 2008 murders, Randolph was apprehended by the police in Utah in 2009 and subsequently arrested. He was initially convicted and sentenced to death, currently sitting in the Clark County Detention Center awaiting his retrial.
Prosecutors assert that Randolph’s motives for the crime revolved around claiming significant insurance payouts. Allegedly, he deliberately brought his wife home early from their pre-Mother’s Day date night, setting the stage for her to discover the purported handyman, Michael Miller, robbing their residence.
During the trial, Clausse’s daughter, Colleen Beyer, shared her testimony, with both the prosecution and Randolph’s defense attorneys presenting their opening statements. The defense aimed to portray Randolph as a caring family man and a pseudo-grandfather figure to Beyer’s children.
However, speaking exclusively to 8 News Now Investigators after her testimony, Beyer referred to Randolph as a career predator and a liar. She expressed her belief that he had always intended to harm her mother, alleging that he had a pattern of manipulation and abuse towards women.
Beyer’s strong sentiments may stem from the fact that Randolph had been married six times, with four of his former wives having met untimely deaths.
As the trial proceeds, it remains to be seen how the jury will interpret the evidence presented and whether Randolph will be held accountable for the crimes he is accused of committing.
