Evansville stabbing victim identified

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) — The Vanderburgh County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim of a deadly stabbing that happened Saturday night.

According to a news release, Christopher Samples, 51, died from a stab wound after being taken to a hospital.

Dewayne Whitney Jr. is charged with murder.

Officers were sent to the Esquire Inn on Fares Avenue for a medical run on Saturday night. Police said they found a Samples with a stab wound. Police said Samples was an employee at the motel.

According to police, both Whitney and his girlfriend claimed Samples had tried to sexually assault her earlier in the night. The girlfriend told police that Whitney came to the motel to confront Samples.

Police said surveillance video showed Whitney punch a plexiglass window in the lobby and break it, then try to get behind the counter. Officers said Samples tried to stop Whitney, but Whitney pushed him against a wall.

After a struggle, police said Samples was seen with blood on his hands.

The coroner ruled Samples’ death a homicide.

Whitney is being held on no bond. An initial court appearance is set for May 15.

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