Bail Set at $5M for Accused Muckleshoot Casino Stabber

Despite the extensive efforts of casinos in terms of security, incidents do take place in such establishments from time to time. Generally speaking, weapons of any sort are not permitted on the gaming floors and to ensure the well-being of their guests, casinos constantly monitor this through CCTV surveillance, live security and use of metal detectors. However, unprovoked and unexpected attacks are difficult to counter or prevent, which is the case for a Washington State casino that became a scene of a violent stabbing.

The criminal case involved a 31-year-old man with the initials R.F., who was arrested after allegedly stabbing one visitor of the Muckleshoot Casino and Resort. The violent act dates back to the late hours of Saturday and early morning on Sunday. At around 10 PM on Saturday, the suspect arrived at the casino and according to a report by KOMO, he was after killing “an associate.” The 31-year-old entered the casino and searched the gaming floor but after he couldn’t find the person he was looking for, decided to kill someone else instead.

Unfortunately, this was the case for one visitor who fell victim to the attacker. A 29-year-old man with the initials B.L., who was gambling at a craps table, was approached by the suspect from behind. Then, the 31-year-old allegedly took out a box cutter and violently stabbed the victim, slashing his neck. Sadly, the 29-year-old victim, who did not know the attacker, nor expected to be attacked, passed away on the casino floor from the fatal wounds.

After the stabbing, which occurred around 1:30 AM on Sunday, the suspect was detained by casino security. A box cutter knife was collected as evidence from the crime scene by police. So far it is unclear how the suspect was able to bring in the murder weapon.

Suspect Held on a $5 Million Bond

During the suspect’s first court appearance on Monday, prosecutors told the judge that the attack was random and violent. Referring to the vicious stabbing, a prosecutor said: “It occurred in front of a large group of people.”

Considering the unprovoked attack, Judge Jill Klinge concluded that there is probable cause for charges against the 31-year-old suspect. The Judge set a whopping $5 million bond for the suspect of the violent attack, while he also may face charges for first-degree murder.

Currently, murder in the first degree is the most serious type of homicide in Washington State. Such crimes are identified as intentional, and individuals convicted of murder in the first degree are subject to a sentence of life imprisonment.