Shadows of Sin City: The Unsolved Murder of Johnny Hicks, the Real-Life Inspiration for Lester Diamond in Casino

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John Hicks was a floorman at Binion’s Horseshoe In Las Vegas. He
was murdered on Jan. 13, 1977, at his home which remains
unsolved. The beginning of this show gives you the background on
Johnny that saw James Woods played a character Lester Diamond in
the movie, “Casino” which was based on Hicks. 


Learn about his parents, their involvement in the casino industry
in Las Vegas. Hicks’ being arrested for murder in June of 1972
and the story behind this which leads to his involvement in a
highly organized cheating scheme. The contract that was placed on
John’s life and why. 


The particulars of what is known about his murder, how he was
killed and with what kind of gun, and a couple possible reasons
why this occurred. 


Geno Munari joins me to talk about his friendship with Hicks, how
they met, and a couple of good stories of what they did. Marion
Hicks connection to Meyer Lansky and a photo John gave Geno.
Learn about in the 70’s what would happen if you got
cheating/stealing from Binion’s. 


Geno tells an interesting story about Ed Becker, Tony Montana,
& Carlos Marcello that is in relation to JFK. Then we get
Hicks and Geri Rosenthal that talk about a shopping spree, a
fight between Frank & John, and what the hell ever happened
to Pete Griffith, the roommate that found John’s body! Tommy
tells his opinion about why he disappeared. 


Who may have killed him? How have they got into the grounds and
much more!


 


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