The casino employee accused of stabbing five of his co-workers at the Thunder Valley Casino Resort in Lincoln, California, has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder charges and will undergo a psychiatric evaluation. Joseph Naugle, 22, faces multiple charges in connection with the alleged attack that occurred last Wednesday night.
A lawyer for Naugle requested the mental health review in a Placer County courtroom, stating it would determine his fitness to stand trial. Naugle appeared in court wearing an orange T-shirt and striped pants and is scheduled to return on September 2.
The incident unfolded in the kitchen area of Dos Coyotes, a restaurant within the casino, where Naugle worked as a kitchen employee. He allegedly attacked his fellow employees with a knife.
Witnesses described bloodied victims emerging from the restaurant onto the casino floor. Police responded within minutes and took Naugle into custody. At the time of his arrest, Naugle was still wearing his kitchen apron.
One victim was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries and was released hours later after receiving treatment. The other four victims were treated at the scene by emergency personnel.
Naugle, a resident of nearby Roseville, graduated from a local high school in 2022. The motive behind the alleged attack is currently under investigation.