AP reports that Tampa Police Spokesman Joe Durkin said a "shoving match" started between two women on the club's dance floor just before 11:30 p.m. Thursday night at the Masquerade club in Ybor City, Fl. The tussle escalated when others tried to break the women apart. That's when a bald man with a knife began stabbing patrons, Durkin said.

Thomas Laskas, a 30-year-old man from St. Petersburg, Fl. died from his injuries; his wife was in critical but stable condition at Tampa General Hospital on Friday. Two other people were treated for injuries and released, according to Billboard.

People flooded out of the club following the stabbings. The suspect fled the scene while continuing to wave a knife at members of the audience, police said. The police arrested the suspect based on eyewitness descriptions.

Michael Pyne, a 39-year-old resident of Pinellas Park, Florida was arrested and charged with murder, attempted murder, and assault and battery.

Pyne reportedly admitted to police that he was at the club with a knife but told the investigators that he doesn't remember anything after seeing his girlfriend become involved in a fight.

Corrosion of Conformity has issued several statements on their website.

We are stunned and deeply saddened by the brutal stabbings of three people at the Tampa show last night. We don't have much information at this time. Unofficially we have heard that one victim didn't make it," the band wrote on their website on Friday. "In twenty plus years of gigging we've never seen anything like this. It's sad that people can't come together for a good time listening to music without something tragic happening. We feel for the families of those attacked and wish success to Tampa law enforcement in their quest to solve this pointless crime. Take care of each other and go in peace."

Pepper Keenan wrote: "People are fighting for their lives right now due to last night's events. We need everyone to focus their positive energies towards these individuals to help them, and everybody affected, pull through this tragedy.

"This is not what it's supposed to be about. Respectfully, Pepper"

Mike Dean posted the following: "People please, if someone spills your drink or steps on your foot or hurts your feelings, it might be better to laugh it off and walk away. If some one is really creating a dangerous situation, alert the security people at the show. They are professionals or at least they get paid to handle such situations without you putting yourself in legal or physical danger.

"Many people will act as if you've insulted their alleged honor but will show no honor in settling a situation. They may produce a knife our gun and as in the case of our recent Tampa show, kill or injure unarmed individuals.

"This tragedy is possible anywhere people gather and especially where alcohol is involved. It also is a possibility wherever nihilism sets in, as I'm afraid it has in the world of heavy metal, where we find ourselves categorized, for better, or more likely for worse. I'm not trying to espouse any lofty ideals or spirituality but could we at least aim as high as everyone coming together however briefly, to have a good time without hurting anyone?

"As fans of rock'n'roll, it's up to us to show that we can have these events without violence or unnecessary tragedy. It is important to note that it takes only one wing nut or sociopath to ruin your whole day or end your whole life. Don't be that asshole and most importantly, point him out to security or club management.

"Also an important afterthought: Don't be so quick to criticize media for "negative reporting" or stereotyping while reporting on this tragedy. There IS a lot of negativity involved in the heavy metal crowd. Of course the bad seeds are in the minority, but look how much damage one person on one night can do.

"Of course there are some slight inaccuracies in reporting and reporters are prejudiced by the nihilistic and sometimes violence-glorifying images of some groups and some fans.

Show that you are above this destructive stereotype. Our band has been committed to a higher standard for some time but it is an uphill struggle to be sure.