Murder With My Husband: Episode 270 – The Missing Gambling King - Bruce Weinstein
Release Date: May 26, 2025
Hosted By: OH NO MEDIA
Description: A true crime podcast that delves into the darkest crimes, featuring a wife who loves it and a husband who hates it.
Introduction to Bruce Weinstein
The episode opens with Shayla and Garrett Moreland introducing the story of Bruce Weinstein, a 46-year-old former bookie from Liberty, New York, who moved to Los Angeles during his childhood. Bruce became deeply involved in his family's bookkeeping business, which involved collecting and paying off bets in an era before online betting platforms like DraftKings existed. His trustworthy nature and shrewd business acumen made him a favored figure among wealthy clients in Los Angeles.
Shayla (07:00): "Bruce was really good at his job mainly because he earned the trust of a lot of his players."
Bruce's lively personality and infectious laugh made him the life of the party, characteristics that initially endeared him to his future wife, Elizabeth Tuch. They married in 1990 and had a daughter, Jacqueline. However, their marriage became strained, leading to a divorce in the early '90s.
Transition to Las Vegas
Post-divorce, Bruce sought a fresh start and relocated to Las Vegas to expand the family business while maintaining a relationship with his daughter. Embracing the vibrant gambling scene, he frequently participated in poker tournaments and socialized with casino regulars.
Shayla (10:00): "Bruce was the life of the party. He lived life in the fast lane, always out enjoying nice dinners with a few drinks."
Meeting Amy Deshant
In 1995, during a Texas Hold'Em game at the Mirage Casino, Bruce met Amy Deshant, a petite brunette who ran her own upholstery cleaning business catering to hotels on the Strip. Despite their professional interaction, a romantic relationship blossomed rapidly. Within a week, Amy moved into Bruce's large Spanish-style home, raising concerns among Bruce's family and friends due to the suddenness of their relationship.
Garrett Moreland (12:36): "Home D I mean, can you blame her?"
The Disappearance of Bruce Weinstein
In July 1996, just a year into their tumultuous relationship, Bruce planned a trip to Lake Tahoe with Amy and another friend. On July 6th, Bruce failed to show up for work, prompting his mother, Sylvia, to become alarmed. Bruce's absence was unusual, especially given his critical role in the family's daily operations.
When Sylvia and Bruce's brother, Stephen, arrived at his home, they found Amy shampooing the carpets. Bruce's phone and wallet remained untouched inside the house, raising red flags. Initially, Amy claimed Bruce had to attend to something urgent the night before and would meet her in Tahoe the next day.
Shayla (16:11): "Amy is shampooing the carpets at Bruce's home, saying, 'I haven't seen him since the night before.'"
Investigation and Suspicious Activities
Police skepticism grew when Amy recounted a dramatic encounter involving masked intruders who allegedly murdered Bruce. Neighbors corroborated hearing gunshots that night, lending some credibility to Amy's story. However, inconsistencies emerged:
- Missing Evidence: The lack of fingerprints, gunshots remnants, and the mobile phone and wallet at the scene were puzzling.
- Financial Anomalies: Bruce's safe, previously holding $100,000, contained only $20, and bullet holes in the mattress suggested he was shot while in bed.
Private investigator Michael Wasocki conjectured the possibility of a third party's involvement, particularly focusing on Ken Reich, Bruce's roommate and business associate who co-managed a side hustle involving gambling clients' money.
Shayla (28:32): "We have to focus on Amy... But some of Bruce's friends say there was just something a little bit off."
Unraveling the Conspiracy
As the investigation deepened, associations between Amy and Bobby Jones, another employee from her upholstery business, surfaced. Bobby's .38 caliber pistol matched the bullet wound in Bruce's chest, linking him directly to the crime scene. Despite being apprehended, Bobby and Amy managed to exploit legal technicalities, leading to overturned convictions.
Shayla (35:49): "They realize this is a completely unrelated crime. A total coincidence that the bodies were so close together."
Trial and Aftermath
In October 1998, Amy and Bobby were tried for Bruce's murder. The prosecution depicted it as an extortion plot gone awry, with Amy seeking to retain Bruce's money. Although initially convicted—Amy receiving two life sentences and Bobby five years—their convictions were overturned two years later due to problematic testimony. Amy pled guilty to second-degree murder, receiving a reduced sentence of 10 to 25 years, and was released in 2011. Bobby was released without retrial, having served a substantial portion of his sentence.
Shayla (38:58): "She's dropping hints and planning to kill Bruce to keep his money."
Impact on Bruce's Family
Bruce's daughter, Jacqueline, chose to distance herself from the family business, pursuing a career in medicine. The unresolved aspects of Bruce's murder, particularly Amy's release, left lingering questions and a sense of injustice for his family.
Shayla (42:00): "But there's definitely something heartbreaking in these cases. When killers get out and the victims are still dead."
Notable Quotes
- Garrett Moreland (03:21): "The entire house reeks of vinegar."
- Shayla (24:27): "Are you trying to pass a luminol test? You need to see someone."
- Shayla (37:57): "Bruce was a pretty flawless informant."
Conclusion
Episode 270 of Murder With My Husband meticulously chronicles the enigmatic disappearance and murder of Bruce Weinstein, highlighting the complexities of personal relationships intertwined with illicit activities. The narrative underscores the perpetual struggle between seeking justice and the obstacles presented by legal loopholes and circumstantial evidence. Ultimately, the episode paints a poignant picture of the lasting repercussions on the victims' families and the murky nature of truth in criminal investigations.
Disclaimer: The above summary is based on the provided transcript and may omit certain dialogues and advertisements interspersed within the episode. For the complete narrative and deeper insights, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode of Murder With My Husband.