ATLANTA — Police have charged a 25-year-old man with the stabbing death of a 66-year-old woman on a Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority train this weekend, according to reports.
MARTA police officers patrolling the Oakland City station responded around noon to a report of a stabbing and quickly arrested the suspect, according to WABE. Police and emergency medical personnel attempted to render aid, but the woman died at the scene.
Police said the suspect, John Elijah Matthews, stabbed the woman 18-20 times, WAGA-TV/Fox 5 Atlanta reported. Reports indicate the victim, Margaret Swan, was minding her own business when she was attacked.
A motive was not immediately clear. MARTA described the stabbing as a senseless act of violence and said police are actively investigating, WABE reported.
“This appears to be a senseless act of violence, and our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones and those who witnessed this horrific incident,” MARTA told 11Alive in a statement.
“We understand the concern and fear incidents like this can cause for those who ride and work on the MARTA system,” MARTA added. “MARTA Police are actively investigating and remain committed to the safety and security of our riders and employees.”
WABE reported that it was unclear whether Saturday’s stabbing had any connection to a separate stabbing at the Georgia State station on May 24. The incident comes as Atlanta prepares for a surge of visitors tied to eight World Cup matches scheduled from mid-June to mid-July.
Oakland City station serves MARTA’s Red and Gold lines in southwest Atlanta, near Lee Street and Arden Avenue.
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