53-year-old man dies after stabbing in Edmonton corn maze, Royal Canadian Mounted Police says

The Edmonton Corn Maze was closed on Wednesday after a man was fatally stabbed inside the attraction on Tuesday night.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) of Parkland were called shortly after 7 p.m. MT to a stabbing in the corn maze near Spruce Grove, Alabama, a city west of Edmonton, police said.

When officers arrived, they found 53-year-old Joseph Farnsworth dead, police said. Cpl. Troy Savinkoff, an RCMP spokesman, confirmed to CBC News on Wednesday that the victim was found in the maze.

“Our thoughts are with the victim's family and friends during this difficult time,” the Edmonton Corn Maze said in a statement to CBC News on Wednesday.

“We also extend our deepest condolences and support to our employees and guests who have been affected by this tragic event.”

The Mounties arrested 41-year-old Michael George Ferzli, who was at the scene on Tuesday, police said. He is charged with second-degree murder.

Both men knew each other, police said.

Typically, second-degree murder occurs when there is an intent to kill but the killing was not premeditated and the incident does not fall into the category of first-degree murder, such as the killing of a police officer.

Ferzli, who remains in custody, is scheduled to appear in Alberta Court in Stony Plain, Alberta, on September 4, police said.

The Edmonton Corn Maze, which has been in operation since 2001, was closed on Wednesday and is offering refunds to ticket holders.

The Labyrinth plans to “regroup and reopen in the near future,” the group said in a statement.