Arizona Man's Eye Ripped Out After Saying Just 4 Words

A casual greeting turned into a scene of unimaginable horror when a man in Phoenix was viciously attacked for simply asking, “How are you today?” What started as a friendly encounter ended with one man fighting for his life and another facing serious charges. The details are as chilling as they are unexpected.

A Friendly Greeting Turns Deadly

A random act of violence unfolded outside a smoke shop near the intersection of 48th Street and Broadway Road in Phoenix, Arizona, on April 14 around 1 am. Authorities say 38-year-old Daniel Lanks, who had been released from jail just two days earlier, allegedly attacked a man who had merely greeted him with the friendly phrase, “How are you today?” PEOPLE reported.

According to court documents, Lanks initially responded by threatening to “whoop his a–” before following the victim from behind, according to PEOPLE. He then stuck his fingers into the man’s right eye socket and violently pulled the eye out. After the man collapsed, Lanks allegedly punched him multiple times in the face, fracturing the victim’s jaw.

Mug shot of Daniel Lanks. Photo courtesy of the Maricopa County Police.

A Scene of Horror

The injured man managed to return home, where his girlfriend called 911. Responding officers asked the victim to remove a towel he was pressing against his face - and immediately saw his eyeball hanging from its socket.

Emergency medical teams quickly transported him to a hospital, where doctors confirmed both the loss of the right eye and a broken jaw. According to Fox 10, court documents later revealed the profound toll the injuries would take, stating, “The victim stated this loss of the use of his right eye and fractured jaw will forever impact his quality of life and is unsure if he will be able to work again or perform many basic life functions,” as reported by PEOPLE.

Arrest and Aftermath

Later that same day, officers found Lanks inside the lobby of a nearby healthcare facility around 2 p.m. When approached by police, he allegedly became aggressive, telling them to “shut the f— up” and claiming he did not understand his Miranda rights.

Lanks was arrested at the scene and booked into the Maricopa County jail on a felony charge, with his bond set at $500,000. Three days later, the victim was able to positively identify Lanks in a photo lineup.

Court documents reveal Lanks has a long history of mental illness, is currently homeless, and has a criminal past that includes assaulting police officers, trespassing, and theft. Now facing multiple felony charges, Lanks remains in custody as authorities continue investigating the brutal random attack.

References: Man Allegedly Rips Stranger’s Eye Out in Random Attack After the Victim Simply Asked This Friendly 4-Word Phrase | Man rips victim’s eye out in random attack, authorities say