In the latest plot twist of the Ted Binion murder case, the family of the slain casino mogul returned to a Las Vegas courtroom to wrangle for control of his fortune.

After hearing arguments Wednesday concerning a motion filed by Binion's estate and his daughter Bonnie, District Judge Michael Cherry granted summary judgment against Sandra Murphy and Rick Tabish in a wrongful death suit.

In May, Murphy and Tabish were convicted of murdering Binion and are both serving life sentences. The duo are appealing their conviction to the Nevada Supreme Court.

The bench ruling by Cherry to grant summary judgment holds Murphy and Tabish liable for Binion's death. The suit has been stayed until the Nevada Supreme Court rules on Murphy and Tabish's criminal appeal, at which point a trial to determine the exact amount of the damage award will occur.

Additionally, the decision by Cherry to grant summary judgment affirms the murder convictions. Therefore, Murphy is barred from collecting any part of the Binion fortune, despite both what the late mogul's will might dictate and the fact that she has filed a $2 million palimony suit.

Murphy's attorneys argued that the criminal matter must go through the entire appeals process before any judgments can be made concerning the case.

The estate motion also specifically asked that Murphy and Tabish cover the $10,992.68 cost of Binion's funeral. This request was granted.