After nearly three decades of legal battles, a Las Vegas judge dismissed the murder charges against Margaret Rudin, the woman famously dubbed “The Black Widow,” who was convicted over 20 years ago for the death of her husband, Ron Rudin.

Clark County District Court Judge Mary Kay Holthus announced the dismissal on Monday after reviewing filings from Rudin’s attorneys and prosecutors. The hearing lasted less than a minute.

“I don’t think it’s sunk in yet, you know? I am very happy,” Rudin, now 81, said following the decision.

Conviction Vacated, Charges Dismissed

The dismissal follows a 2022 federal court ruling that vacated Rudin’s conviction, citing ineffective representation by her trial attorney and the possibility of alternative suspects. The Clark County District Attorney’s Office declined to retry the case.

“The legal effect is that Margaret has never been legally convicted of any crimes and can never be reprosecuted,” said Rudin’s attorney, Adam Breeden.

However, prosecutors maintained there is no evidence supporting Rudin’s claims of wrongful conviction or innocence, aside from her own assertions.

A Decades-Old Case

Margaret Rudin was convicted in 2001 for the murder of her husband, Ron Rudin, a prominent real estate investor. His charred remains were discovered near Lake Mohave in 1995. Prosecutors alleged Margaret shot him while he slept and disposed of his body, but key forensic evidence was inconclusive.

Experts testified that the amount of blood found in the couple’s bedroom was minimal and did not match the alleged crime scene. Additionally, the federal judge noted there was no evidence connecting Margaret to the murder weapon, her husband’s abandoned car, or the site where his remains were found.

Margaret Rudin served 20 years in prison before being released on parole.

Civil Lawsuit and Certificate of Innocence

Rudin has since filed a civil lawsuit against the state and is seeking a certificate of innocence to formally clear her name. A hearing in that case is expected before the end of the year.

“I’m very relieved, but I always keep looking over my shoulder,” Rudin said, expressing skepticism about ever receiving the certificate.

Judge Holthus is expected to finalize the dismissal paperwork in the coming weeks with input from both Rudin’s legal team and prosecutors.

The Legacy of the Case

Margaret Rudin’s story remains one of the most infamous in Nevada’s legal history, with her nickname, “The Black Widow,” symbolizing the sensationalism surrounding her trial. Reflecting on the moniker, Rudin remarked, “I don’t think anybody would dare call me that to my face.”

As the case officially comes to an end, Rudin and her supporters hope this dismissal will mark the beginning of a new chapter.

For more details, visit 8 News Now Investigators.

Source: 8 News Now