Pahrump man arrested on murder charge

A Pahrump man has been arrested and is being held without bail on a murder charge after police found the body of his stepmother in a residence after her family requested a welfare check.

Robert Marygold, 59, was arrested Friday on preliminary charges of open murder, battery with use of a deadly weapon, attempt to conceal evidence, grand larceny, possession of debit card without owner's consent and fraudulent use of a debit card.

According to police, deputies with the Nye County Sheriff's Office responded to a residence on West Florida Street in Pahrump to check on the welfare of an elderly female after her  family members called from out of state to report that they have had no contact with her for several days and noticing suspicious activity occurring on her bank account.

Upon arrival, deputies noticed an extremely foul odor coming from the house and made entry into the residence whereupon they located the body of the deceased woman.

Detectives responded and began a detailed investigation into the suspicious circumstances found at the scene, according to police.  

During the course of the investigation, Marygold arrived home. Police identified him as being the deceased woman’s stepson. According to the police, Marygold admitted during an interview with detectives to murdering his stepmother several days prior with a handgun and concealing her body within the residence.  

He further admitted to being in possession of her debit card and making several withdrawals from her account at a local casino.

Marygold was placed under arrest and transported to Nye County Detention Center and booked.

Detectives are following several leads in this case and the investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information in this case is urged to contact the NCSO Detective Michael Eisenloffel immediately at 775-751-7000 or by email at NCSO_Detectives@co.nye.nv.us.