When Raleigh Police arrived, six adults were suffering from stab wounds. All were rushed to local hospitals with serious — but thankfully non-life-threatening — injuries.
At first, Lalich was painted as the aggressor, slapped with four counts of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury. Prosecutors say newly obtained surveillance footage shows Lalich wasn’t the one looking for trouble.
Instead, the video reportedly captures Lalich walking away from the group after a conversation when — out of nowhere — he’s sucker-punched, knocked to the ground, and repeatedly kicked.
Authorities now say Lalich pulled out a knife and began swinging — not to attack, but in what’s being described as a clear act of self-defense.
Lalich appeared in court virtually on Tuesday, April 14, where he was initially given a $2,000 unsecured bond, placed on electronic monitoring, and ordered to avoid contact with anyone involved.
But less than 24 hours later, prosecutors pulled the plug.
By Wednesday morning, April 15, every single charge was dismissed, citing insufficient evidence to support the original allegations in light of the new video.
According to his attorney, Lalich is described as a well-educated resident with a master’s degree, no prior criminal record, and no history of violence or mental health issues.
INVESTIGATION NOT OVER
Even though Lalich is now cleared, this case isn’t closed.
