WA man arrested for attempted murder after brutal attack on massage parlor employees

A 48-year-old man in Edmonds, Washington, is behind bars after police say he violently assaulted two women working at a local massage business, leaving both with severe injuries. He is now facing charges of two counts of Attempted Murder in the first degree and two counts of Unlawful Imprisonment.

According to Edmonds Police, the incident unfolded Sunday evening, September 7, just before 5:45 pm at Eva Spa Massage, located at 9726 Edmonds Way. Edmonds Police said one of the victims recognized the suspect as a previous customer when he approached the front door. Video evidence obtained by police showed the man barging inside and locking the door behind him before immediately attacking one of the women as she tried to retreat.

The assault continued into another room, where a second employee was with a customer. Police say the suspect then turned his violence on both women, striking them repeatedly, including with a metal coat rack. The male customer, who was not injured, reported to detectives that the suspect made statements suggesting the attack was premeditated and targeted.

Both victims managed to escape outside, but the suspect followed and continued the assault until realizing 911 had been called. Officers arrived to find both women unconscious with significant head and facial injuries.

Witnesses quickly directed police to the suspect, who had fled across the street to a nearby business parking lot. He was taken into custody without incident but made chilling remarks while being handcuffed, allegedly saying he was angry he had not killed the victims. Officers noted the man was wearing bloodied gloves at the time of arrest.

The two women were transported to local hospitals for treatment of multiple lacerations and serious head injuries. Authorities thanked community members who assisted officers in quickly locating the suspect. He has since been booked into the Snohomish County Jail.

Detectives from the Edmonds Police Department are continuing to investigate the suspect’s motive, which remains unclear. Police are urging anyone who may have seen the suspect near the business or who has additional information to call 425-407-3999 or email policetips@edmondswa.gov.