Bracelet Winner Awaiting Trial for Attempted Murder Violates Bond; Trial Date Set

Rudy Gavaldon, a Michigan World Series of Poker (WSOP) online bracelet winner from this past summer who is awaiting trial for allegedly brutally assaulting his wife to near death, violated his bond agreement and is back in jail.

The poker player won Online Event #3: $500 No-Limit Hold’em Turbo 6-Max in July on the WSOP.com Michigan poker site for $20,193. Upon conducting a background check, PokerNews discovered he is accused of a heinous crime that allegedly took place July 29, 2022.

Back in the Slam

Gavaldon, 36, was released from jail on bond in August 2022, which is why he was able to play in some online bracelet events. But, according to court records filed in Grand Traverse County (Michigan), he was arraigned on August 1, 2023 for testing positive for opiates.

The bracelet winner pled not guilty to the bond violation, but was found guilty on Aug. 8 and sent back to jail after Gavaldon’s attorney unsuccessfully requested for bond to be reinstated.

Gavaldon is currently housed at the Grand Traverse County Correctional Facility where he will remain until his January 9-11, 2024 jury trial date, set during an Aug. 31 hearing.

Poker Player’s Alleged Violent Tendencies

Gavaldon, who is from Traverse City, is alleged to have brutally assaulted his wife, Lara Gavaldon. According to a police report, Gavaldon told officers at the crime scene at 12:05 a.m. on July 30, 2022, that his wife was dying and needed medical attention. Upon arrival, authorities noticed Galvadon walking in the roadway while carrying his child.

His 28-year-old wife was discovered in their home and transported to a nearby hospital, and eventually med flighted downstate to Grand Rapids Hospital, with life-threatening injuries while he was taken into custody.

Lara Gavaldon suffered severe long-term injuries, including impaired vision as a result of the attack. The domestic abuse survivor’s friend started a GoFundMe last year to help her cover medical expenses and lost wages. At the time of publishing, the family has received $29,800 in donations.

The alleged incident wasn’t the first time Gavaldon’s found himself in legal trouble. In 2011, he pled guilty to larceny in a building and third-degree home invasion. He was sentenced to 11 months in jail and 36 months of probation.