A woman has been accused of a chilling murder at a Washington state casino after she allegedly used a lethal dose of fentanyl to drug a man when she forgot her usual 'date rape' drugs, according to police reports.
The Fatal Encounter
Raylin Marie Benzie, 34, has pleaded not guilty to murdering a man identified in court documents only as Arslan at the Ilani Casino in Ridgefield, located near the Oregon-Washington border. The incident unfolded in early October when surveillance footage captured Benzie, wearing distinctive leopard print clothing, walking with Arslan in the early hours of October 4.
According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by The Columbian, the footage showed Benzie entering Arslan's hotel room and remaining there for just under two hours before leaving and subsequently entering with another man. The victim was found dead in his hotel room on October 5, with toxicology reports confirming fentanyl in his system.
Confessions and Contradictions
Benzie initially told detectives that Arslan was snoring when she left the room, expressing confusion with the statement 'That's weird... that doesn't make sense' when informed of his death. However, the investigation took a dramatic turn when police interviewed another man who had spoken with Benzie that night.
This witness claimed that Benzie admitted to putting fentanyl in Arslan's drink, leaving him unconscious. She allegedly confessed that she typically uses GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate), commonly known as a date rape drug, to incapacitate her targets but had used fentanyl on this occasion because she had forgotten to bring her regular supply.
Another woman came forward telling detectives that she had met Benzie earlier that evening, during which Benzie revealed her intention to meet wealthy men to seduce and rob. This woman later stated that after speaking with detectives, Benzie's behaviour made her believe 'she did something to cause this man to lose his life.'
The Aftermath and Evidence
The man seen with Benzie after she left Arslan's room told police that she allegedly admitted to drugging Arslan and commented that he 'probably OD'd and he's probably going to die.' Further damning evidence emerged when detectives seized Benzie's phone and discovered a panicked text message sent to a friend reading: 'I PANICKED AND DID SOMETHING DUMB I NEED OUT OF HERE PLEASE...I COULD GO AWAY FOR A VERY LONG TIME.'
Surveillance footage also revealed that Benzie cashed out a casino ticket belonging to Arslan on the morning of October 5 for over $1,000, according to the affidavit. In contrast to these allegations, Benzie told police a different story, claiming that after Arslan poured her wine, she excused herself to use the bathroom and messaged a friend for an excuse to leave. She said she only returned to the room later because she had forgotten her sunglasses.
Benzie faces multiple serious charges including murder in the first degree, possession of a stolen vehicle, use of a controlled substance in a homicide, poisoning, robbery, and theft according to the Clark County jail roster. She remains in custody with combined bail set at $10 million and has entered a not guilty plea.
Benzie was arraigned on November 7 and last appeared in court recently. Her next court appearance is scheduled for November 25, with her trial set for January. Her legal representation has declined to comment when approached by media outlets.
The Ilani Casino Hotel released a statement expressing they are 'deeply saddened to confirm the loss of life at Ilani.' They confirmed the suspect has been detained and the investigation by the Cowlitz Indian Tribal Public Safety Department has concluded, adding that they 'remain fully supportive of law enforcement and continue to focus on the well-being of our guests and team members.'
