Magic Diamond Casino Patron Strangled in Restroom, Cash Stolen

• Suspect allegedly strangled a casino patron with a charging cable, stole cash
• Deputies used video and interviews; found jacket with meth syringe
• Police say suspect admitted robbery; booked into Gallatin County jail

A Belgrade, Mont. man was arrested Sunday night on suspicion of robbing and strangling a gambler in a restroom at the Magic Diamond Casino in Belgrade, about 10 miles west of Bozeman.

Ayden Klompien, 25, allegedly followed his victim into the restroom and wrapped a cellphone charging cable around his neck before reaching into his front pocket and taking $1,500 to $1,700, according to the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office. The suspect then fled the scene.

Police were called to the casino at approximately 9:30 pm on Sunday, Captain Michael Van Meter said. The victim told deputies that prior to the attack, he had met three men while gambling at the casino. Since his luck had been good, he gave them $20 each to spend on slot machines. One of those men was Klompien, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Meth Needle Found

The victim described the suspect as a blond-haired man of about 25 who was wearing blue jeans. Deputies used witness interviews and surveillance footage to identify the suspect as Klompien, an individual well known to police.

Police located Klompien later that night on West Shore Drive in Belgrade, about a half-hour walk west of the casino. Klompien had the cash on him and admitted to robbing the casino patron, and to dumping his jacket with the syringe in it.

Prior Offenses

Klompien was arrested for robbery and criminal possession of dangerous drugs, according to court documents. He is currently being detained at the Gallatin County Detention Center.

Klompien has prior convictions for driving offenses, according to local news reports, and was arrested earlier this year on suspicion of dealing methamphetamine.

When probation officers searched his home, they found drugs, a digital scale, and dozens of small plastic bags, according to a Belgrade News report at the time.

Police recommended that Klompien and his housemate each be prosecuted on a felony drug-dealing charge and a misdemeanor charge of possessing drug paraphernalia. District Court records related to that case weren’t immediately accessible.

“Anytime you’re handling significant quantities of cash in public, be very judicious about how you carry yourself, your belongings, and your valuables,” he said.