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.

The post 83-Year-Old Woman Killed After Casino Kidnapping Leads to Fatal Crash appeared first on Keno Wizard.

A criminal case against one gang member who participated in an attempted robbery that turned into murder gained traction earlier this week. The incident dates back to October 2019 when Ryan Gatzke, 27, was fatally shot and killed in his home by three members of a gang known as the “Terror Squad.”

On Monday this week, a filing with the case in North Battleford Provincial Court in Saskatchewan, Canada, from April 2021 was released to the public, revealing that the gang members were allegedly tipped by a casino worker that Gatzke had money in his home, as announced by Sask Today.

Additionally, on Monday this week, the youngest gang member, who was 17 at the time of the crime, agreed to be sentenced as an adult. Another three Terror Squad members were apprehended and sentenced for Gatzke’s murder already. The list includes Charles McLean, the gang’s getaway driver who pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced in March 2022 to four years in prison.

On the other hand, Isaac Melco, another gang member pleaded guilty to manslaughter as well and received 12 years in prison back in February 2023. Similarly, Jacob Ballantyne, the third gang member who was involved in the bloody crime also pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to eight years in prison back in June.

According to the April 2021 filing, which was recently made public, the gang members were told that Gatzke had money and drugs by a person who worked at a casino the victim visited earlier on the night of the incident. Prior to attempting to rob the victim, the Terror Squad members were given approval from senior members of the gang.

A Robbery Turns into Bloody Murder

The aforementioned incident dates back to October 18, 2019. At the time, Gatzke, together with his wife, visited a casino in North Battleford. Senior Crown Prosecutor Jennifer Schmidt revealed Monday that the couple won some money at the casino. “Not a large sum but some money,” she explained, outlining the two had a “fairly good night.” The victim and his wife had dinner as well as drinks before heading home.

Later on the same night, Gatzke’s home was invaded by Melco, Ballantyne and the third gang member whose name was not disclosed since he was 17 years old at the time. Gatzke and his wife were in bed when they were surprised by the three gang members who consumed a lot of alcohol, drugs and were wearing face masks.

The youngest culprit held a shotgun, Ballantyne was equipped with a 9mm handgun while Melco carried an SKS rifle. After an altercation with the victim, a total of three shots were fired. Gatzke was shot twice, while one bullet hit the bedroom ceiling. One of the shots severed the victim’s artery which was a lethal injury.

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