A murder trial is currently underway, which alleges that a man by the name of Greg Chao robbed and killed fellow poker player Donald Idiens and then used the victim's money to play in a Vegas poker room. The two reportedly met while playing poker in the Mirage Casino's poker room.

The official charges claim that Chao committed the robbery-murder in his hotel room at the Imperial Palace Hotel and Casino. Indeed, Idiens' body was found in a staircase, only one floor down from Chao's room. Chao alleges that he lent Idiens his hotel room for the purpose of holding an impromptu meeting, but did not commit the crimes for which he is being charged.

Testimony of Phillip Barber, a lifelong poker buddy of the victim and the last person to see him alive, was also heard. Barber's testimony from the preliminary hearing was read at the trial, since Barber has passed away since the hearing. As part of his testimony, Barber sung Idiens' praises as a skilled poker player.

Source:  Poker777 Staff

Thursday, 12 May 2005