Pocono News Section

Man Murdered at Plains Twp. Nightclub

Man Murdered at Plains Twp. Nightclub - Sunday, March 22, 2009 at 6:30PM EST

PLAINS TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY -- State police say a man died after being stabbed at Energy 21, also called Diablo's After Hours Night Club, in Plains Plaza.

The victim, 20-year-old Ronald Gabriel of Brooklyn, was stabbed in the neck around 3:20am Sunday. His friends drove him to the hospital, where he died about an hour later.

Business owners didn't want to give us their names, but told us their concerns.

"You're putting this in our back yard, and people aren't going to shop here," said one business owner. "So, it scares me, it bothers me a lot."

"I think anytime after two or three in the morning, people have all types of things in mind," said Trooper Tom Kelly. "Some are just looking to dance, but some are looking for trouble."

Trails of blood marked the lot behind the club, and people who work in the complex say the violence has been going on for a long time. They tell us club patrons have been stabbed in the past, and it's gone unreported -- until now.

"I believe we all knew this was going to happen because of the incidents that were going on," added the businessman.

We saw drug baggies, empty liquor bottles, even underwear litter the lot. An hour later, we returned to find the lot washed, the floor in the hallway mopped, and the club owner inside. He told us bouncers check patrons at the door, and he doesn't tolerate violence. But police tell a different story.

"I know they've been called there frequently for fights and disturbances," added Kelly.

"I hope this is the end of it," added the business owner. "I hope this is what they consider to be over the limit."

Codes enforcement and police officers were at the building Sunday morning.

Police aren't saying if this stabbing death was gang-related. They ask anyone with information to call them at 697-2000.