In the world of Las Vegas true crime, few cases capture the intrigue of wealth, deception, and murder quite like the story of Margaret Rudin and her late husband, Ron Rudin. The first episode of our three-part series delves into Ron’s life, his mysterious disappearance, and the events that set the stage for one of Las Vegas’s most notorious murder trials.
Ron Rudin was a successful real estate developer in Las Vegas, known for his wealth, ambition, and influence. By the time he met Margaret Rudin, he had been married multiple times and had built a fortune through property investments. Though he was a shrewd businessman, he was also described as generous and deeply involved in the community. However, behind the financial success was a man who was rumored to have enemies and growing concerns about his own safety.
Ron was known to be cautious, even paranoid, about his security. He carried a firearm and had surveillance installed at his office and home.
On December 18, 1994, Ron Rudin attended the grand opening of Margaret’s new antique store and was never seen alive again. His absence was immediately suspicious—this was a man with strict routines, someone who wouldn’t just vanish without a trace.
Five days later, his beloved Cadillac was found behind Rick Rizzolo’s Crazy Horse Too strip club just east of The Strip, dirty and with multiple muddy footprints on the floorboards. Ron was known to be neat and orderly and keep his Cadillac clean and well-maintained. According to friends, he wasn’t the kind of guy who hung out at strip clubs. While the car raised red flags, there were no immediate signs of foul play.
Ron Rudin’s case would soon evolve from a missing persons investigation into a murder case that rocked Las Vegas. But how did police connect the dots? And what led them to suspect Margaret Rudin?
In the next episode, we’ll explore the shocking discovery of Ron’s remains, the forensic evidence that shaped the case, and the turning point that made Margaret Rudin the prime suspect.
Listen & Share Your Thoughts
Stay tuned for Episode 2 next week. Have thoughts on the case? Email us or share your theories with us on social media @sinsandsurvivors
