Man Fatally Stabbed in Unprovoked Attack at Washington State Casino

Posted on: April 21, 2024, 03:06h. 

Last updated on: April 22, 2024, 01:24h.

Ed Silverstein @casinoorgedsilv Read More

Expertise: Legal, Tribal Gaming.

A suspect was apprehended Sunday morning after he allegedly fatally slashed a stranger inside Auburn, Wash.’s Muckleshoot Casino Resort.

The assailant and would-be victim didn’t know each other before the suspect snuck up to the victim from behind, while he was standing at a gaming table.

Random Attack

All of a sudden, the suspect stabbed him in the neck. Police are calling it a “random” attack. The victim passed away inside the gaming property.

No word on the victim’s identity. He was described as being in his late 20s.

Muckleshoot Casino staff immediately contacted the Auburn Police Department at about 1:30 a.m.

Officers arrested the unnamed suspect a short time later. He was booked at the King County Jail at about 8 a.m. Police said he will be charged with murder.

The suspect is 31 years old, according to Seattle TV station KCPQ. Police didn’t release a motive for the stabbing.

No one else in the Washington State gaming property was injured. It’s unclear how many guests or tribal casino employees were located near the victim when he was stabbed.

Stabbing Investigated

Police likely spoke to witnesses to the deadly attack. They also searched the crime scene for physical evidence. It’s possible detectives will review surveillance video to watch the activities of the suspect before he allegedly pulled out a weapon and stabbed the victim.

It’s likely the victim will undergo an autopsy to confirm the manner and form of death. Officials will also later describe the stab wounds and murder weapon used in the attack. The medical examiner’s office additionally will confirm the victim’s identity.

It’s unclear whether police seized a murder weapon from the crime scene.

They didn’t reveal whether it was a knife or other object. On the casino’s website, it clearly states, “Weapons, including firearms, are NOT ALLOWED in the casino or in the resort.”

Police didn’t explain how an object was snuck into the gaming room that could be used in such a fatal attack.

The casino is located about 16 miles east of Tacoma, Wash. The gaming property is operated by The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe.

Casino Expansion

Earlier this year, the casino held a ribbon-cutting for a major expansion. It includes 401 new guestrooms, an enlarged gaming floor, and a steakhouse located on the rooftop. The restaurant is called Smoke & Cedar.

An indoor heated pool will be opening soon, along with a hot tub and full-service bar.