Shayne Sussman, the man facing charges for stabbing two employees at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas, has entered an Alford plea as part of a plea deal. The agreement, which allows Sussman to acknowledge the sufficiency of the prosecution's evidence while still maintaining his innocence, pertains to 11 charges, including three counts of attempted murder. As outlined by court officials and reported by FOX5, the suspect is slated for sentencing on November 26.
Details about the incident indicate it took place around 1 a.m. on August 3, at the Red Rock Resort. Footage obtained by the 8 News Now Investigators shows Sussman stumbling around the lobby and entering a restricted area before the stabbings occurred. Following the attack, Sussman, appearing to be "under the influence," according to security staff, was confronted by hotel security while holding a bloody knife. He was later shot by a security officer after an altercation and a brief chase through the casino.
The case drew attention firstly due to its violent nature and secondly from the confusion among the witnesses, who reported what they believed to be gunshots. "I believe I heard either a firework or a gunshot go off in Red Rock Casino,” one anonymous caller told FOX5 in 911 calls they obtained.
Prosecutors are reportedly seeking a 20-year prison term for Sussman, although he could be eligible for parole in a substantially shorter timeframe. "The guilty plea agreement was reached through the court's settlement conference program," Chief Deputy District Attorney Michael Dickerson stated in a report by 8 News Now. Dickerson added, "Shayne Sussman’s guilty plea is a good step toward the healing these victims need. We will continue pursuing justice for the victims and the community at the sentencing hearing scheduled next month."
