Pierce County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Sunday morning that 54-year-old Eddie Nitschke was stabbed multiple times after an unknown assailant asked him what religion he practiced. The incident occurred near the S.S. Quickstop Grocery in Parkland, a community located about 45 minutes south of Seattle.
Nitschke reported to 911 around 6:30 a.m., stating that a man approached him and repeatedly inquired about his religious beliefs. Initially responding that he was not religious, Nitschke later identified himself as Christian after the assailant continued pressing for information.
The suspect then attacked Nitschke with multiple knives, puncturing his lung and inflicting severe wounds. During the assault, Nitschke instructed his girlfriend to release their dog from the vehicle, which subsequently charged at the suspect before being stabbed itself.
Nitschke’s dog was transported to a local animal hospital for emergency surgery and is now reported stable. The victim was hospitalized in critical condition but later discharged after a brief stay.
Deputies located the suspect around 8:40 a.m. on Park Avenue South, where he fled behind a home. After a pursuit, deputies encountered the armed suspect who resisted arrest and fired shots at 8:47 a.m., resulting in his death by multiple gunshot wounds.
The Sheriff’s Office characterized the incident as a hate crime based on religion, noting that the suspect had been persistently interrogating Nitschke about his faith before escalating to violence.
