Man charged with stepmom’s murder after body found in closet

The Pahrump man arrested on suspicion of murdering his stepmother lived with her body in the house for 11 days, according to police.

Robert James Marygold was arrested Friday on a suspicion of murder charge after the Nye County Sheriff's Office found the body of his stepmother, Alma Marygold, in the house where they both lived.

According to the police, Robert Marygold, after waiving his Miranda rights, admitted during an interview with detectives to shooting his stepmother twice in the chest on July 13 with a .45 caliber handgun and concealing her body within the residence.

The 59-year-old man appeared in court Monday and continues to be held without bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for this coming Monday in Pahrump Justice Court.

Robert Marygold has been preliminarily charged with 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.

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, who live out of state, called to report that they have had no contact with her for several days. In addition, the family noticed suspicious activity occurring on her bank account, as thousands of dollars had been withdrawn at a local casino.

The family spoke with Robert Marygold about Alma Marygold's whereabouts and he told them that she had gone camping, according to police.

Upon arrival, deputies noticed an extremely foul odor coming from the house and made entry into the residence, according to the arrest report.

After entering the home, police found a body wrapped in trash bags and a blanket in a bedroom closet. After unwrapping the body, it was determined that the description of Alma Marygold matched the deceased person found in the home.

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

After the discovery of the body, sheriff's deputies obtained a search warrant to search the home for any evidence that could possibly reveal the cause of death.

During the course of the investigation, Robert Marygold arrived home. Police identified him as being the deceased woman's stepson. He was found to be in possession of her debit card and making several withdrawals from her account at a local casino, and confessed to the crime, according to police.

Due to the advanced decomposition of the body it was tough for police to determine and locate any evidence of gunshot wounds, but several corroborating details were confirmed through evidence at the scene.

Robert 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 NCSO Detective Michael Eisenloffel immediately at 775-751-7000 or by email at NCSO_Detectives@co.nye.nv.us.