Las Vegas, Nevada — A decade of legal proceedings culminated in a conviction for a man implicated in the violent killing and dismemberment of a victim tied to his wife. Anthony Newton, 46, was found guilty Friday on multiple charges, including first-degree murder and conspiracy, linked to the death of Ulyses Cesar Molina.
Jurors reached their verdict after earlier trials resulted in two mistrials. The first mistrial was declared in November 2024, primarily due to a juror’s mention of Newton’s prison record affecting their judgment. In a subsequent trial last year, the jury could not come to an agreement regarding his guilt or innocence.
Faced with the possibility of the death penalty, both sides agreed to eliminate capital punishment from the case. Attorneys for Newton, Joshua Tomsheck and Thomas Ericsson, are now contending that he could face a prison sentence ranging from 20 years to life, depending on the judge’s decision during the upcoming sentencing hearing in March.
The horrifying details surrounding Molina’s death unfolded in December 2016, when his dismembered body was discovered in a vacant lot, raising alarm about the brutal nature of the crime. A further twist emerged in 2018 when a human hand, later identified as Molina’s, was discovered in a Henderson woman’s mailbox, leaving investigators puzzled about its origins.
During Newton’s second trial, prosecutor Pamela Weckerly asserted confidently, “It will be abundantly clear that the person who killed Cesar Molina was Anthony Newton.” Her remarks underscored the prosecution’s narrative that Newton had orchestrated the crime with the help of accomplices, including his brother-in-law George Malaperdas and Kelsea Wray Glass, both of whom had past relationships with Newton and the victim.
According to prosecutorial claims, the three conspired to lure Molina to a specific location on Christmas. Once there, they bound him and subjected him to a brutal attack, leading to his demise. The court heard that Newton viciously stepped on Molina’s neck, alleging infidelity with his wife as motivation for the violence. After killing him, Newton and Malaperdas reportedly dismembered the body, discarding parts in a remote area.
While both Malaperdas and Glass pleaded guilty to charges related to the crime, court documents indicate that their plea deals remain sealed. Prosecutors have stated that both individuals are expected to testify against Newton in upcoming proceedings, emphasizing their cooperation with law enforcement.
Sentencing for Newton, whose fate now hangs in the balance, is anticipated to take place later this month. Meanwhile, the broader community grapples with the ramifications of a case that has lingered for years, reflecting on the chilling elements of betrayal, violence, and the legal system’s challenges in delivering justice.