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Denny's Waitress Stabbed To Death In Front Of Customers, Tourists
local6 ^ | September 3, 2007

Posted on 09/03/2007 10:07:16 AM PDT by stainlessbanner

ORLANDO, Fla. -- A 40-year-old Denny's waitress was fatally stabbed in the neck and chest in front of dozens of customers and children at the tourist-filled International Drive restaurant, according to police.

Witnesses said the victim was met by her boyfriend Alejandro Casa, 47, Sunday night in the lobby area of the restaurant located at 7660 International Drive and Sand Lake Road.

Casa approached her and then repeatedly stabbed her with a steak knife before being chased out of the restaurant by other employees, according to witnesses.

Casa dropped the knife and lost a shoe as he fled the scene, police said.

"(The victim) was an employee and she was working on the floor when a Hispanic man walked in and attacked her viciously and intentionally," Orange County sheriff's Capt. Steve Lang said. "When he finished the attack, he was chased out of the restaurant by several people. He got away from those folks. We set up a perimeter but so far, we have not found him yet."

The homicide comes during a crime wave at Orlando's tourist spots, WKMG-TV reported.

Tourists said they were shocked to see the stabbing.

"I had dinner last night here and the lady who got killed was the woman who served my wife and I," Orlando tourist Juan Luis said.

"Even in England we have our problems but unfortunately there is a lot of violence and things like that going on," tourist Karen Wilkins said.

Police did not release the name of the victim because they said they were concerned about her children. Deputies said her children were missing late Sunday.

Investigators also said the victim recently obtained a restraining order against Casa but it had not been served.

Anyone with information concerning this crime is urged to call the Orange County Sheriff's Office.


TOPICS: Local News
KEYWORDS: banglist; dennys; fl; hangemhigh; kittygenovese; selfdefense; stabbing
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More from the Orlando crime wave.
1 posted on 09/03/2007 10:07:19 AM PDT by stainlessbanner
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To: stainlessbanner

Anybody know if the guy is legal?


2 posted on 09/03/2007 10:08:49 AM PDT by wastedyears (Alright, hold tight, I'm a highway staaaaaaaaaaaaarrr)
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To: stainlessbanner

why on earth did all those people just stand around and watch it happen? A sad commentary on how cowardly we’ve become.


3 posted on 09/03/2007 10:09:44 AM PDT by Awestruck (All the usual suspects)
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To: wastedyears

It’s a shame that is the first question that comes in so many folks minds.

But it is sadly, a reality we all must face these days, that even the person next to us or the perp may not be here legally.


4 posted on 09/03/2007 10:10:22 AM PDT by NormsRevenge (Semper Fi ... Godspeed ... ICE’s toll-free tip hotline—1-866-DHS-2-ICE)
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To: wastedyears

Don’t ask, don’t tell.


5 posted on 09/03/2007 10:10:40 AM PDT by DTogo (I haven't left the GOP, the GOP left me.)
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To: stainlessbanner
Casa dropped the knife and lost a shoe as he fled the scene, police said.

Who does this putz think he is, Cinderella?

6 posted on 09/03/2007 10:11:28 AM PDT by Tamar1973 (Riding the Korean Wave, one BYJ movie at a time! (http://www.byj.co.kr))
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To: stainlessbanner
Sad really, Orlando used to be a fairly nice place. Just went a few months ago after a 2 year absence, I will not be going back.

One guy that they caught had broken into over 300 cars over a weeks period of time, at some of the tourist spots. Couldn't speak a word of English either so I will leave it up to others as to what he was and what the current crime wave is coming from.

7 posted on 09/03/2007 10:11:47 AM PDT by Post-Neolithic (Money only makes Communists rich Communists)
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To: Awestruck

Who are we to say that stabbing someone to death is wrong? It may acceptable in some cultures.


8 posted on 09/03/2007 10:12:17 AM PDT by AppyPappy (If you aren't part of the solution, there is good money to be made prolonging the problem.)
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To: stainlessbanner

“Even in England we have our problems but unfortunately there is a lot of violence and things like that going on,” tourist Karen Wilkins said.


Let’s be clear. England has far more violence, especially stabbings.

Too bad none of the tourists had a gun.

Note that it is easy to get a Florida Carry permit. No classes, required. Just ask for their application, get fingerprinted, and send in the hundred bucks or so. Visit packing.org for more info.


9 posted on 09/03/2007 10:13:00 AM PDT by Beelzebubba ("We do have tough gun laws in Massachusetts; I support them, I won't chip away at them" -Mitt Romney)
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To: stainlessbanner
Deputies said her children were missing late Sunday.

I hope the children are found soon safe and unharmed.

10 posted on 09/03/2007 10:13:32 AM PDT by Tired of Taxes (Dad, I will always think of you.)
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To: wastedyears
Not sure yet. Notice the name change to "Caso" rather than "Casa" - the story is still developing.

According to the Orange County Sheriff's Office, Caso is believed to be driving a white 1991 Chevrolet Station wagon. FL Tag # PDC2F.

11 posted on 09/03/2007 10:13:46 AM PDT by stainlessbanner
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To: Tamar1973

I’m supposing there were no armed citizens there who could come to this poor woman’s rescue.


12 posted on 09/03/2007 10:14:56 AM PDT by basil (Support the Second Amendment--buy another gun today!)
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To: wastedyears

He could have been a Cuban-American.


13 posted on 09/03/2007 10:15:06 AM PDT by EveningStar
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To: stainlessbanner
"Hispanic man"

Don't profile /sarcasm

Could it have been this man the police are looking for?


14 posted on 09/03/2007 10:15:24 AM PDT by bmwcyle (BOMB, BOMB, BOMB,.......BOMB, BOMB IRAN)
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To: AppyPappy

“Who are we to say that stabbing someone to death is wrong? It may acceptable in some cultures.”

apparently...


15 posted on 09/03/2007 10:15:41 AM PDT by Awestruck (All the usual suspects)
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To: Beelzebubba

I think packing.org is defunct. Try www.handgunlaw.us


16 posted on 09/03/2007 10:15:53 AM PDT by Tijeras_Slim
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To: All; Admin Moderator

Perhaps we could keep the racist comments down to a low roar?


17 posted on 09/03/2007 10:16:18 AM PDT by EveningStar
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To: basil
I’m supposing there were no armed citizens there who could come to this poor woman’s rescue.

If she had known krav maga, she could have taken the knife out of his hand herself!

18 posted on 09/03/2007 10:16:32 AM PDT by Tamar1973 (Riding the Korean Wave, one BYJ movie at a time! (http://www.byj.co.kr))
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To: Awestruck
why on earth did all those people just stand around and watch it happen? A sad commentary on how cowardly we’ve become.

In the mid 1970's I was returning to work from lunch. The office was in Boston's Back Bay, an upscale neighborhood. I walked up to a crowd of about 40 people standing on the sidewalk next to the Arlington Street Church. I asked why the crowd was there. A voice replied they just watched a woman get raped in the bushes.

I think its more the norm for people to watch but not get involved. Growing up, I remember constantly hearing the mythical story about some Samaritan intervening in a dispute between a man and a woman to only have both turn their wrath against the Samaritan.

19 posted on 09/03/2007 10:17:16 AM PDT by LoneRangerMassachusetts (The only good Mullah is a dead Mullah. The only good Mosque is the one that used to be there.)
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To: stainlessbanner

Was he... “hard-working”?


20 posted on 09/03/2007 10:17:25 AM PDT by johnny7 ("But that one on the far left... he had crazy eyes")
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To: Awestruck

“why on earth did all those people just stand around and watch it happen? A sad commentary on how cowardly we’ve become.”

You don’t know the facts. It could have happened so suddenly that no one could have stopped it from happening. Who pays that much attention to a waitress, especially when you are with your kids on vacation? Several did give chase, so I think it is just plain wrong to call them cowards.


21 posted on 09/03/2007 10:17:41 AM PDT by Kirkwood
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To: Awestruck

Well, if we aren’t going to deport them, .....


22 posted on 09/03/2007 10:17:51 AM PDT by The Forgotten Man (He works, he votes, generally he prays--but he always pays....)
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To: EveningStar

Uh ,, what racist comments?


23 posted on 09/03/2007 10:18:22 AM PDT by NormsRevenge (Semper Fi ... Godspeed ... ICE’s toll-free tip hotline—1-866-DHS-2-ICE)
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To: stainlessbanner
the victim recently obtained a restraining order against Casa but it had not been served

When guys have restraining orders on them, the next step is often murder. It sets them off. She probably told him and it set him off.

24 posted on 09/03/2007 10:18:34 AM PDT by Right Wing Assault ("..this administration is planning a 'Right Wing Assault' on values and ideals.." - John Kerry)
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To: Awestruck
why on earth did all those people just stand around and watch it happen? A sad commentary on how cowardly we’ve become.

I've actually seen someone stabbed to death in a crowded bar. It's amazing how fast it can happen, and no one had any chance to stop it. The perp did the deed and was just a blur running out the door. Everyone was shocked, it happened so fast and there was no chance for anyone to stop him or chase him down to catch him.

It's a credit to the employees who chased this guy out of there. I doubt anyone could have saved her or caught a guy who was armed with a knife.

25 posted on 09/03/2007 10:19:27 AM PDT by Bullish ( Reality is the best cure for delusion.)
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To: stainlessbanner

Exactly. As if it is some sort of anomaly.


26 posted on 09/03/2007 10:20:16 AM PDT by Altura Ct.
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To: Awestruck
Actually, stabbings occur so fast that it's near impossible for someone standing ready, let alone employees and customers, to perceive and react to the act.

That's why cops use the 21 foot distance rule in reacting to a person with a knife. (Generally, if a person with a knife in his/her hand is within 21 feet, they can get you before you can draw and shoot them.)

To a casual observer, knifings often look like someone is getting punched.

27 posted on 09/03/2007 10:21:46 AM PDT by oneolcop (Take off the gloves!)
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To: Beelzebubba
"Note that it is easy to get a Florida Carry permit. No classes, required. Just ask for their application, get fingerprinted, and send in the hundred bucks or so. Visit packing.org for more info."

Wrong. You have to show proficiency with a firearm. There are several ways of doing this but they all involve taking a firearms safety course at one point or another.

28 posted on 09/03/2007 10:21:50 AM PDT by bruoz
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To: stainlessbanner

Condolences to the innocent victim’s children, remaining members of her family and her friends.


29 posted on 09/03/2007 10:22:19 AM PDT by PGalt
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To: Beelzebubba

“Note that it is easy to get a Florida Carry permit. No classes, required. Just ask for their application, get fingerprinted, and send in the hundred bucks or so. Visit packing.org for more info.”

A class is required or proof of military service. You also have to deal with the incompetents who take fingerprints at the sheriff’s office. Took me 5 tries to get a set the state would accept.


30 posted on 09/03/2007 10:22:57 AM PDT by driftdiver
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To: EveningStar
Perhaps we could keep the racist comments down to a low roar?

What elephant? What living room?

31 posted on 09/03/2007 10:24:25 AM PDT by don-o (Do the RIGHT thing. Become a monthly donor. End Freepathons forever)
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To: basil

It may have been a tourist restaurant. Tourists don’t pack unless they drive in. If there had been a lot of locals it might have been different. We have the Castle act here in FL, and in my local newpaper there are often accounts of armed citizens stepping in and rescuing folks. (Tampa)


32 posted on 09/03/2007 10:24:33 AM PDT by I still care ("Remember... for it is the doom of men that they forget" - Merlin, from Excalibur)
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To: Awestruck
I say they were not cowering in fear. They were probably frozen in shock, just could not believe their eyes. Honestly, I doubt I would have done anything. I’m no match for a crazed knife wielder. I would call 911 on my cell but it would not save her.
33 posted on 09/03/2007 10:24:51 AM PDT by A knight without armor
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To: stainlessbanner
Casa approached her and then repeatedly stabbed her with a steak
knife before being chased out of the restaurant by other employees,
according to witnesses.


IF captured and convicted by evidence beyond doubt...
the perp should be given a life sentence.

And have a bit of flesh sliced away once a month.
With sufficient antibiotics to subdue infection.

Until the miserable b@$tard hangs himself or dies of old age.

The paragraphs above explain why I shouldn't have anything to
do with running a jail.

And G-d Bless those other employees for threatening the SOB enough
that he ran away instead of doing a victory dance over his "fresh kill".
34 posted on 09/03/2007 10:25:30 AM PDT by VOA
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To: EveningStar
Personally, I’d call them FACTS not comments.
And disgust with another culture is not racist.
It is a well earned fact.
35 posted on 09/03/2007 10:26:19 AM PDT by bill1952 ("All that we do is done with an eye towards something else.")
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To: EveningStar

What racist comments?


36 posted on 09/03/2007 10:26:21 AM PDT by Bainbridge
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To: EveningStar
Perhaps we could keep the racist comments down to a low roar?

What are YOU talking about? Do you even understand the word "racism?" By definition, it is the belief that your race is superior to another race. I don't see anything like that on this thread.

For example: Nazism. Those boneheads actually believed their mythical race was better than every other race on earth.

I think you just used the "R" word because you don't like the thread. Guess what? We live in America and we have freedom of speech.

If this is a problem for you -- may I suggest you move to Venezuela? They have a lovely beaches and dissenting opinions are thrown into jail...

37 posted on 09/03/2007 10:26:36 AM PDT by John123 ("What good fortune for the governments that the people do not think" -- Adolf Hitler)
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To: I still care
It may have been a tourist restaurant.

The restaurant is on International Drive which is a major tourist area in Orlando. I'm sure most of the patrons were out-of-towners.

38 posted on 09/03/2007 10:27:25 AM PDT by inflorida
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To: Awestruck
If it happened in the lobby at a Denny's it was probably all over before anyone realized what was happening.

Very sad. Hope they catch the ba***rd.

39 posted on 09/03/2007 10:27:28 AM PDT by Churchillspirit (We are all foot soldiers in this War On Terror.)
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To: VOA

This is Florida. He may very well get the dirt nap.


40 posted on 09/03/2007 10:27:41 AM PDT by bill1952 ("All that we do is done with an eye towards something else.")
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To: stainlessbanner
Alejandro Casa

Swedish? Hmong? Pacific Islander? Lithuanian?

41 posted on 09/03/2007 10:28:16 AM PDT by IronJack (=)
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To: Beelzebubba
England has far more violence.....

Really??

42 posted on 09/03/2007 10:28:45 AM PDT by Churchillspirit (We are all foot soldiers in this War On Terror.)
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To: Beelzebubba

Beelzebubba, you got this one absolutley wrong. I’m starting the
process of getting a permit. There’s more involved than just asking for one.


43 posted on 09/03/2007 10:29:43 AM PDT by ThreePuttinDude ()... Cevapi & Slivovitz for everyone....()
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To: Beelzebubba
England has far more violence, especially stabbings.

England's violent crime rate has gone up recently, while that of the US has gone down. Not sure which is in the lead at the moment. In both countries, violence is pretty geographically limited.

You're a lot more likely to be stabbed in UK, despite their banning of scary-looking "assault knives" than in the US.

However, you're a LOT more likely to be shot in the US than in the UK. Since guns are more efficient tools for murder than knives, the US is still well in the lead for murder rate. But UK and much of Europe is catching up.

UK definitely leads the US in many crime categories, notably burglary and petty theft.

Direct comparisons are tricky because of different methodologies in calculating the crime rates.

44 posted on 09/03/2007 10:30:18 AM PDT by Sherman Logan (Scratch a liberal, find a dhimmi)
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To: EveningStar

WTF are you talking about?


45 posted on 09/03/2007 10:30:39 AM PDT by Altura Ct.
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To: Beelzebubba
Too bad none of the tourists had a gun.

Too bad the honest, law-abiding tourists who arrived via airplane were disarmed before they even arrived.

46 posted on 09/03/2007 10:32:55 AM PDT by Stoat (Rice / Coulter 2008: Smart Ladies for a Strong America)
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To: stainlessbanner
I'M SO SICK OF HEARING HISPANIC MALE CONNECTED WITH NEWS STORIES INVOLVING CRIMES.....

grrrrrhhhh

Maybe THIS guy wasn't an illegal alien, but..........BUILD THE DARN FENCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

47 posted on 09/03/2007 10:32:56 AM PDT by NordP (HUNTER: "The real question for Mexico--Why are your people crossing burning deserts to get away?")
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To: EveningStar

Forget your meds today? People are posting facts, not supporting racism.


48 posted on 09/03/2007 10:33:10 AM PDT by Issaquahking (Duncan Hunter for President!)
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To: EveningStar

Could you point out the racist comments?


49 posted on 09/03/2007 10:33:26 AM PDT by Osage Orange (Molon Labe)
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To: bill1952
This is Florida. He may very well get the dirt nap.

I'm still an Okie at heart. And believe in "the needle" and
(in the good ole' days) "Old Sparky".

My diatribe was spurred by my personal feelings that the perp
deserves a bit more suffering than a couple of minutes with a
needle or electric current.
50 posted on 09/03/2007 10:34:49 AM PDT by VOA
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