Editor's note: Above video references panic alarm used during a Spokane Valley stabbing in April
SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. – A man who allegedly stabbed his roommate nine times on Friday is facing charges of attempted murder, according to court documents.
The suspect, identified as 39-year-old Jordan Knippling, was previously accused of stabbing two nurse practitioners in April.
On Friday, Spokane County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene in the 9700 block of E. Garland Avenue in Spokane Valley at about 7:50 a.m. and found a man with multiple stab wounds to his torso and neck.
Knippling allegedly stabbed his roommate after an argument over rent that escalated, according to the Spokane County Sheriff's Office. Court documents say that the victim regularly stayed at the home but the owner did not consider him a tenant.
Knippling and the victim allegedly argued over the victim not paying rent and eating people's food, according to Cpl. Mark Gregory with the Spokane County Sheriff's Office.
According to court documents, the victim was stabbed nine times in the shoulder, neck and back. Officers said they found blood stains throughout the home.
At last check, the victim was in critical condition.
Another roommate living at the home said they saw Knippling stab the victim several times and leave the knife in his bedroom, according to court documents. They said Kippling then returned shortly after leaving the home to retrieve the knife before fleeing on a bike.
A search warrant has been issued for bodily fluids, DNA, fibers and hairs from the house, cutting instruments, Knippling’s clothes, cheek swabs and fingernail clippings.
Knippling told detectives at the Public Safety Building during an interview that he was acting in self-defense after the victim punched him, Cpl. Gregory said. Sheriff's deputies said the suspect explained the victim only stays at the residence periodically, but does not live there.
Knippling also told detectives he suffers from schizophrenia, according to the sheriff's office. At this time, the evidence does not support the suspect's account of self-defense, Cpl. Gregory said.
Knippling was released from jail on April 28 after he appeared at a hearing for two felony charges of assault in the third degree. Those charges stemmed from an event where Knippling allegedly assaulted two Spokane Valley Hospital nurse practitioners on April 27.