Orleans Hotel Stabbing Suspect Claims Self-Defense in Bizarre Slot Machine Dispute

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Las Vegas, NV – January 9, 2024 – A Las Vegas man is facing charges after allegedly stabbing another patron at the Orleans Hotel and Casino over a perceived dispute involving a slot machine, according to an arrest report.

Mitchell Graham, 70, of Las Vegas, stands accused of battery with a deadly weapon and carrying a concealed machete without a permit. The incident unfolded on December 31st around 9 a.m. when officers responded to reports of a stabbing at the casino.

Conflicting Accounts and Weaponry:

Upon arrival, officers found Graham near the south entrance and apprehended him after hotel security identified him as the suspected assailant and surrendered a knife sheath linked to the incident. A subsequent search revealed a 3-4 inch steak knife concealed in Graham’s front pocket, along with a machete tucked away in his backpack.

Graham’s version of events claims he was using the restroom shortly after placing money in a slot machine. Upon returning, he found another man occupying the machine and demanded he vacate the seat. The victim, however, denies any pre-existing claim to the machine and insists he simply sat down after seeing it unoccupied.

Escalating Tensions and Injury:

According to Graham’s account, the victim snatched the playing voucher from the machine and walked away, prompting him to follow and confront him with the knife. However, Graham claims he does not recall how the victim sustained a stab wound to his right side during the ensuing altercation.

The victim’s account paints a different picture. He states he was simply playing at the machine when Graham approached him, accusing him of stealing his seat. Despite the machine being empty with minimal funds inside, the victim claims Graham threatened him with the knife and stabbed him before he could react.

Legal Proceedings and Unanswered Questions:

Graham was arrested and booked into the Clark County Detention Center. He is scheduled to appear in court on January 17th to face the aforementioned charges. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and authorities will seek to determine the precise sequence of events and the motives behind the alleged attack.

This incident raises concerns about potential violence stemming from seemingly minor disputes within gambling establishments. While the details remain under investigation, the presence of concealed weapons and the escalation of a trivial disagreement underscore the importance of responsible gaming practices and maintaining composure in high-pressure environments.