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Casino Kitchen Worker Charged After Stabbing Five Coworkers

A court-ordered psychiatric fitness review is pending to decide whether he can stand trial.

Overview

  • The attack took place in the Dos Coyotes restaurant kitchen inside Thunder Valley Casino on Wednesday, Aug. 19, when a 22-year-old employee allegedly stabbed five coworkers who all suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
  • Deputies arrived within minutes, arrested Joseph Naugle at the scene while he was still in his work apron, and placed him in custody without bail at the Placer County Jail.
  • Naugle pleaded not guilty to multiple counts that include attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon and faces special allegations of great bodily injury that can raise potential penalties.
  • His lawyer has requested a psychiatric evaluation to determine fitness to stand trial and prosecutors have filed five separate criminal protective orders for the victims.
  • Investigators are reviewing security footage and witness statements to establish a motive while victims recover and the restaurant remained closed as the casino stayed open after the incident.