Man enters plea in Las Vegas knife attack; still faces Arizona murder charge

A man also wanted on an Arizona murder warrant alleging he killed his ex-girlfriend was found guilty Thursday in Clark County District Court of stabbing and beating a woman he dated in Las Vegas.

Wade Mitchell Ridley, 54, entered an Alford plea to attempted murder with use of a deadly weapon and armed robbery. The Alford plea means Ridley didn't admit guilt but acknowledged prosecutors could prove their case against him.

Ridley was set to stand trial next week on five felony charges. District Attorney David Roger prosecuted the case personally.

A sentencing date is set for Dec. 1 before Judge Abbi Silver. Ridley faces six to 70 years in prison.

Authorities said Ridley attacked Mary Ann Beckman outside her Las Vegas home Jan. 21. The two previously dated after meeting through the online dating site Match.com.

Beckman's daughter told Las Vegas police about her mother's relationship with Ridley, saying "he was not happy with the breakup," court documents show.

Ridley told police he hid in Beckman's garage, armed with a knife, until she came home.

Prosecutors said Ridley attacked and stabbed her until the knife broke and then stomped on her head and neck.

Beckman survived the attack.

Ridley still faces a murder charge in Arizona.

Phoenix police said Anne Simenson, 62, was stabbed with a butcher knife and a machete inside her home in early February.

Arizona authorities allege Ridley robbed and killed her. He was driving Simenson's red 2005 Toyota Solara when he was arrested in Las Vegas on Feb. 14.

Arizona authorities believe Ridley also used a knife to rob a Phoenix pharmacy of painkillers the day of Simenson's murder.

Contact reporter Francis McCabe at
fmccabe@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-1039.