LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The former Nevada Republican congressional candidate and retired World Wrestling Entertainment wrestler Daniel Rodimer made his first court appearance Wednesday morning.
Rodimer is accused of the murder of Christopher Tapp, an Idaho man who spent 20 years in prison after being wrongfully accused of murder.
According to the arrest warrant, Rodimer and Tapp got into an argument involving cocaine during a Halloween party at a Resorts World hotel room last October. A witness said Rodimer told Tapp, "if you ever talk to my daughter again, I'll f***ing kill you" followed by the sound of two loud bangs.
Tapp was found unconscious and later died at the hospital.
Rodimer appeared in court out of custody and represented by attorneys David Chesnoff and Richard Schonfeld. Court records indicate Rodimer had posted bond last month.
Attorneys focused on a motion filed Tuesday to throw out marital communications as evidence in the case.
"A motion to suppress the wiretap, as to marital privilege, as well as text messages," said Schonfeld to Las Vegas Justice Court Judge Eric Goodman.
According to the criminal complaint, Rodimer's wife Sarah texted him the night of the incident.
"I watched you nearly murder somebody and I had to take your f***ing hands off from his neck.... Nobody should have to watch their husband murder somebody."
Rodimer's defense team is also seeking background information on Tapp.
"The gentleman who is the alleged victim," said Chesnoff, in court. "In terms of his propensity for violence, his prison records, etc."
Tapp was convicted rape and murder of a Idaho teens in the '90s, but was exonerated in 2020. Idaho attorney John Thomas represented Tapp and was in court on behalf of Tapp's family on Wednesday.
"He spent time for a murder he didn't commit," Thomas said. "That's well documented and we have nothing to hide."
Thomas said he plans to attend every hearing to get justice for Tapp.
"Chris was somebody to be remembered and should not just be brushed into the carpet," Thomas said.
Rodimer has faced criminal allegations before. Back in 2018, police records show Sarah, his now-wife and then-girlfriend, accused him of domestic violence. The accusations came to light during Rodimer's 2020 congressional campaign in District 3. No charges were ever filed.
Chesnoff told Channel 13 he plans to vigorously fight the murder charge in court.
Rodimer is scheduled to be back in court April 22. His preliminary hearing is set in May.
Chief Deputy District Attorney Binu Palal did mention in court the state is contemplating on whether to take the case to a preliminary hearing or a grand jury indictment.
