This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 20 photos You may not upload any more photos to this memorial
A sensationalized trial that riveted Nevada ensued, and culminated with his conviction.
After a toxicology report discovered the paralyzing drug succinylcholine in her system, Higgs was charged with first degree murder. Based on comments that Higgs had made to a coworker, police quickly began to suspect foul play. On July 8, 2006, she was found unconscious in her home, and she died four days later from an apparent heart attack. A unlikely match, family and friends were wary of Higg's true motives. Shortly after her husband of 17 years died from complications of a stroke in 2003, she married Chaz Higgs, a critical care nurse who she met while he was caring for her late husband. She was also censured but allowed to remain in office.
After a series of investigations, she admitted violating state ethics laws during her 2002 reelection bid and was fined a record $15,000. Political scandals shadowed her throughout the last few years of her life. She became Nevada's first female State Controller, serving from 1999 until her murder in 2006. She was a member of the Nevada State Assembly from 1993 to 1995, then served in the Nevada Senate from 1995 to 1999. A Republican politician, she served in various state-wide offices for over 20 years.