A man who works for a vendor for the Big Y in Old Lyme is dead and another is in the hospital after they were stabbed at the market on Sunday afternoon, according to state police and a statement from Big Y.
Police responded to the store at 90 Halls Road around 2:15 p.m. to investigate reports of an assault and began performing first aid.
Jing-Song Gao, 33, of Methuen, Massachusetts, was transported to Shoreline Medical Center in Westbrook, where he was pronounced dead, accoording to police. State police said he had been working the sushi counter at Big Y.
The other victim, 39-year-old Tan Lin, of Old Lyme, was flown to Yale-New Haven Hospital to be treated for serious injuries. Police have not yet interviewed him because of his condition, but said the stabbing was not a random attack and that both knew each other.
“One was working at the store during the time of the incident and the other one was a patron. Other than that, I don’t know the extent of the relationship,” said Lt. Michael Kostrzewa of Connecticut State Police.
Big Y said in a statement that both men were from a vendor that supplies the stores.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved in this tragic incident which occurred on January 8, 2017. We continue to work with law enforcement regarding all aspects of this case," a statement from Big Y said. "The incident involved 2 people from one of our vendors that supplies our stores. Currently, we have additional support assisting all of our employees from this location. We thank you for your patience and understanding at this time."
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Police are still trying to determine the motive was for the stabbing.
Big Y reopened Monday.
