83-Year-Old Woman Killed After Casino Kidnapping Leads to Fatal Crash

A harrowing tale of violence and tragedy unfolded earlier this month, culminating in a fatal wrong-way crash that claimed the life of an 83-year-old woman following a kidnapping from a casino. 

Authorities Arrest 37-Year-Old Suspect Linked to Disturbing Casino Kidnapping

The suspect, a 37-year-old individual, whose name is being withheld pending formal charges, has been discharged from the hospital and is now in custody at the Snohomish County jail, reported KOMO News.

The charges against the suspect include first-degree aggravated murder, kidnapping, assault, and unlawful possession of a firearm, among others, according to a probable cause statement released April 24.

Reports suggest a disturbing sequence of events leading up to the tragic crash. Allegedly, the suspect assaulted and kidnapped his girlfriend from Tulalip Casino, making chilling threats against her life. 

Describing a moment of explosive rage, the victim recounted how the suspect threw a metal canister at her, causing severe injury to her arm. Subsequent text messages sent from her phone, seemingly under duress, conveyed ominous threats of violence, including intentions to “skin her alive.”

Following these distressing messages, law enforcement initiated a search for both the suspect and the victim. Their pursuit led them to the suspect’s residence in Everett, where a tense encounter ensued. The victim, in fear for her life, provided crucial information to the authorities before the suspect managed to evade capture.

Tulalip Casino Abduction Culminates in Fatal Crash

The next day, a horrifying turn of events unfolded at the Tulalip Casino, where the suspect forcibly abducted the victim, accompanied by physical violence. Task force officers swiftly responded to a distress call from the casino, sparking a high-speed chase through the streets of Everett and Lynnwood.

The pursuit, fueled by the gravity of the suspect’s threats, reached a devastating climax on State Route 525. Driving recklessly against oncoming traffic, the suspect’s vehicle collided head-on with a GMC Yukon, resulting in the tragic death of Trudy Slanger, the driver of the Yukon. Both the suspect and the abducted woman sustained injuries in the collision and were transported to Harborview Medical Center.

This appalling incident underscores the urgent need for effective intervention in cases of domestic violence and abduction. As the suspect awaits formal charges, the community mourns the loss of Trudy Slanger and rallies behind efforts to prevent such senseless tragedies in the future.

Law enforcement agencies continue their investigation into this case, seeking justice for the victims and their families amidst the aftermath of this heartbreaking event.