The Unsolved Murder of Johnny Hicks
The Real-Life Inspiration for Lester Diamond in Casino with Special Guest: Geno Munari
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The Real-Life Inspiration for Lester Diamond in Casino with Special Guest: Geno Munari 〰️
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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A photograph of the Hicks family eating dinner in 1949. Described in the photo, are Jonnie, Billie Grace Milton, Grandma Lile, Mr. Hicks, Mrs. Betty Wells, Mrs. Lillian Hicks, Mary Ann. Courtesy of UNLV Special Collections.