Sword and Scale - Episode 281 Summary
Title: The Black Widower
Release Date: February 3, 2025
Host: Sword and Scale
Introduction
In Episode 281 of Sword and Scale, listeners are plunged into the chilling narrative of Thomas Randolph, infamously dubbed the "Black Widower." This episode meticulously unravels Randolph's tumultuous history of marriages, his sinister motives, and the eventual downfall that led to his conviction. Through raw and uncensored audio, including 911 calls, witness testimonies, and courtroom dialogues, the episode paints a comprehensive picture of a man who manipulated relationships for personal gain, leaving a trail of tragedy in his wake.
Background: Centennial Hills and the Night of the Crime
The story is set in Centennial Hills, a suburban enclave in Las Vegas, known for its safety and family-friendly environment. On the evening of May 8, 2008, Centennial Hills was shaken by a brutal double homicide that would later become the focal point of the investigation.
Notable Quote:
"It's like they're stuck there in a perpetual loop of disappointment. From our vantage point, it's clear that cutting ties with this person is the only solution for our complaining friend."
— Mike Boudet [00:55]
The Crime Unfolds
At 8:44 PM, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department received their 3131st call of the day: a shooting at a residence on Rancho Santa Fe Drive. The caller, an older gentleman named Thomas Randolph, reported that his wife, Sharon Randolph, had been shot by a suspect whom he then shot himself. The ensuing chaos captured over the radio revealed the gravity of the situation.
Notable Quote:
"Sharon Randolph walked back into the hallway... she was lying on the tiled floor... Michael Miller, someone Sharon and her husband had met a few months prior."
— Colleen [07:05 - 08:42]
Sharon was found dead in the master bedroom, and Michael Miller, a handyman and friend, was later discovered deceased in the garage, indicating a possible struggle and Randolph's involvement in both deaths.
Investigating Thomas Randolph's Past
As detectives delved into Thomas Randolph's history, a disturbing pattern emerged. Randolph had been married six times, with five out of his six wives either deceased or having escaped his clutches under suspicious circumstances.
Notable Quote:
"Thomas Randolph had married five times before. Not two, not three, not four. Five."
— Colleen [25:25]
Each marriage bore signs of Randolph's manipulative and possibly homicidal tendencies. His first wife, Catherine Thomas, divorced him after discovering his infidelities and subsequently remarried. He married immediately after their divorce, showcasing his disregard for marital commitments. Subsequent wives either died under mysterious circumstances or left him fearing for their lives.
The Final Murder and Unraveling the Truth
The night of Sharon and Thomas Randolph's final date was meticulously reconstructed during a police walkthrough. Randolph's narrative contained several inconsistencies, such as the timing of the lights and the locations of the bodies, which raised red flags among investigators.
Notable Quote:
"Sharon Randolph had been shot in the head. Thomas shot Michael Miller."
— Colleen [15:08 - 34:02]
Further investigation revealed that Randolph had befriended Michael Miller solely to orchestrate Sharon's murder, ensuring he could collect life insurance money and continue his relationship with his girlfriend, Lizzie.
Notable Quote:
"Thomas was trying to forge a relationship with Michael, who was down on his luck...a perfect crime."
— Mike Boudet [46:33]
The Trial and Conviction
Randolph's first trial ended in an acquittal, but prosecutors were undeterred. The Nevada Supreme Court eventually reversed his conviction due to procedural errors regarding the admissibility of past bad acts. In a retrial, despite restrictions on presenting his history of multiple marriages and previous wives' deaths, the overwhelming evidence against him led to a unanimous verdict.
Notable Quote:
"The jury unanimously voted on a sentence of death. Thomas destroyed so many kind-hearted women...his era of evil is over."
— Mike Boudet [61:13 - 63:17]
On August 24, 2023, Randolph was found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder and two counts of first-degree murder. However, his sentencing faced delays due to last-minute legal maneuvers aiming to dismiss charges, which ultimately resulted in a life sentence with the possibility of parole after 60 years.
Conclusion: Lessons and Reflections
Episode 281 serves as a dark reminder of the depths of human depravity and the importance of heeding warnings from loved ones. Randolph's ability to charm and manipulate masked his true intentions, leading to the deaths of multiple women. The episode underscores the significance of vigilance and the tragic consequences that can arise when red flags are ignored.
Notable Quote:
"Sometimes we should probably stop and listen to the advice of others, especially our loved ones. Especially when every single one of them is saying the same thing."
— Colleen [66:14]
Final Thoughts
Sword and Scale continues to deliver gripping true crime stories with this episode, offering listeners a comprehensive look into the life of one of Nevada's most notorious criminals. Through detailed investigations, emotional testimonies, and courtroom drama, Episode 281 encapsulates the essence of true crime storytelling—revealing that the worst monsters are indeed real.
Disclaimer: Sword and Scale contains adult themes and violence and is not intended for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised.