Suspect facing 2nd-degree murder charge after fatal stabbing at Edmonton Corn Maze

A 53-year-old man is dead after a stabbing at the Edmonton Corn Maze on Tuesday night, and a suspect is facing charges.

The victim has been identified as Joseph Farnsworth. Police say he was found dead when officers arrived at the scene.

Police say the stabbing occurred around 7 p.m. at the maze near Spruce Grove on Highway 627, just west of Edmonton.

The suspect remained at the scene and was taken into custody. According to police, the two men were guests at the maze and knew each other.

Michael George Ferzli, 41, was charged with second-degree murder. He is next scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 4.

“Our hearts are with the victim’s family and friends during this difficult time,” the Edmonton Corn Maze said in a statement. “We also extend our deepest concern and support to our staff, and guests who have been affected by this tragic event.

“We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the emergency responders who acted swiftly and with the utmost professionalism.”

The Edmonton Corn Maze was closed on Wednesday.

“We plan to regroup and will reopen in the near future,” the group’s statement read, without providing a specific date.

Area resident Theresa Zyp told CityNews she was coming home at midnight from picking up her daughter at the airport when she saw a police presence at the popular attraction.

“I saw one police car still left at the corn maze and I thought, ‘oh, I wonder what happened,'” she recounted. “But you know I didn’t hear it on the radio or on the news that night. I heard it this morning.”

Zyp believes the incident does not make the area any less secure.

“I feel like this neighbourhood is really a safe neighbourhood,” she said. “I think that was just a rare occurrence.”

The Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit is leading the investigation. Parkland RCMP is asking anyone who was at the Corn Maze from 5-7 p.m. to call 825-220-7267.