A 37-year-old man from Washington state is facing serious charges after allegedly stabbing a gambler outside a local casino in what authorities believe was a premeditated attack.
The incident took place in the early hours of Saturday morning outside the Cascade Casino in Everett. According to witnesses, the victim, a 45-year-old man who had been gambling inside the casino, was confronted by the suspect in the parking lot as he was leaving the establishment.
Eyewitnesses say that the suspect, who has been identified as Edward Dawson, approached the victim with a large knife in hand and began shouting at him. Without warning, Dawson allegedly lunged at the victim, stabbing him multiple times in the abdomen and chest before fleeing the scene on foot.
The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital where he underwent emergency surgery for his injuries. He remains in critical condition and is said to be fighting for his life.
Authorities were able to track down Dawson a few hours after the attack and he was taken into custody without incident. During questioning, Dawson allegedly admitted to police that he had intended to kill the victim and had been planning the attack for several days.
Investigators are still trying to determine the motive behind the attack, but they believe that it may have been related to a dispute over gambling debts. Dawson, who has a prior criminal record for violent offenses, is now facing charges of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon.
Cascade Casino has issued a statement expressing their shock and sadness over the incident, and they have assured their patrons that they are working closely with law enforcement to ensure the safety and security of their guests.
As the community continues to grapple with this senseless act of violence, residents are left wondering how such a horrific crime could occur in their normally quiet town. The trial for Dawson is set to begin in the coming weeks, and many are hoping for swift justice for the victim and his loved ones.
