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In a case that has drawn significant attention, Washington prosecutors announced on Monday that a woman is facing charges for allegedly killing a man by spiking his beverage with fentanyl last month.
On October 5, authorities from the Cowlitz Tribe received a call to the Ilani Casino Hotel regarding a death. Their investigation revealed that 34-year-old Raylin Benzie had administered a lethal dose of fentanyl to the victim, identified as 38-year-old Arslan, to rob him. This finding was reported by KPTV. The victim was recognized by his legal name on his driver’s license.
Benzie, apprehended on October 31, allegedly confessed to officers that she resorted to using fentanyl on Arslan because she had forgotten a date rape drug intended to incapacitate him for robbery. Security cameras captured Benzie entering Arslan’s hotel room, where she stayed for an hour before leaving alone. Later, she returned with another man, and both were seen exiting the room after seven minutes, The Chronicle reported.
The next day, Arslan was discovered dead in his hotel room.
When detectives broke the news of Arslan’s demise to Benzie, she allegedly responded, “No, no, no, he was f**king snoring.”
Benzie reportedly claimed that in September, Arslan said he would give her his $1,200 casino winnings in exchange for sex. On October 4, Arslan allegedly gave her a casino voucher for $1,280.
According to KATU, Benzie and Arslan did not have sex. Benzie reportedly told investigators that she did not feel bad about taking his money because he had disrespected her.
A search of Benzie’s phone uncovered alleged text messages suggesting she knew she killed Arslan.
“I PANICKED AND DID SOMETHING DUMB I NEED OUT OF HERE PLEASE…I COULD GO AWAY FOR A VERY LONG TIME,” one text reads, according to KATU.
Other messages indicated that Benzie needed money because she totaled her car and was about to be evicted.
“I’m bored and I’ve been putting in work on this dude that I’m gonna bet he’s got 100k in his bank account right now,” she wrote, according to The Chronicle.
When asked why someone would just give her that much money, Benzie allegedly responded, “Lol no I’m gunna get to know him then drug him to sleep n take it.”
The Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the only drug present in Arslan’s system was fentanyl.
Benzie was charged with first-degree murder, controlled substances homicide, placing poison in a drink, first-degree robbery, and second-degree theft.
She remains jailed on $10 million bail.