Public's help sought in search for attempted murder suspect's knife

Law enforcement and police dogs have been searching an area near the Tahoe Keys for a knife used in last week's attempted murder of a South Lake Tahoe woman.

Thomas Payne is accused of cutting his wife's throat with a large knife on October 16. He took off after the incident and returned to the scene several hours later. The knife used in the attack has not been found.

Payne's wife was taken to the hospital with life threatening injures and he was arrested on October 17 for attempted murder.

The South Lake Tahoe Police Department is asking for assistance from the public in locating the knife. Investigators believe the suspect discarded the weapon as he fled from the crime scene prior to the arrival of the police. Extensive searches of the initial scene and surrounding areas, even with the assistance of two law enforcement canines, have not resulted in the weapon’s discovery.

The weapon is described as having an approximate overall length of 10 inches. It has a blade of about 6” and a handle of about 4” in length. The knife has ornate etchings of an elk and/or a bear, but a clear description of the weapon’s color and specific location of etched images are not available. It is likely the entire knife was abandoned while sheathed in a nylon cover, of unknown color. The knife may have been placed under the end of a fallen tree root or older log.

It is believed the knife was discarded in the area in the photo. If anyone discovers the weapon, please leave it undisturbed for the preservation of evidence and immediately call the police so it can be recovered. The South Lake Tahoe Police Department may be contacted at 530-542-6100.