'Stand down': BART stabbing victim's godfather makes plea to black community

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- Daryle Hallums, the godfather of the 18-year-old woman who was fatally stabbed on the MacArthur BART station platform in Oakland, has asked the African-American community to "stand down" while police investigate the murder.

RELATED: Here's how you can help the family of BART stabbing victim Nia Wilson

Officials say Nia Wilson was killed in the stabbing, which appears to be a random crime. Her sister was also stabbed, but survived.


VIDEO: 'Remember Her' A tribute to Nia Wilson


Hallums says that as of now, police don't know if this attack was racially motivated, but he would like to wait until there's information to find out what really happened.

Police released an image of a 27-year-old man wanted in connection with the attack. He's been identified as John Cowell and was arrested on Monday. The 27-year-old man was booked on assault with a deadly weapon, violating parole and first degree murder.

Go here for full coverage on the stabbing at Oakland's MacArthur BART station that took the life of 18-year-old Nia Wilson.



CONTINUING COVERAGE ON DEADLY BART STABBING:

• What we know about deadly stabbing at Oakland's MacArthur BART station


• 'Remember Her' A tribute to Nia Wilson


• Here's how you can help the family of BART stabbing victim Nia Wilson


• Chilling dispatch call describes terrifying fatal MacArthur BART stabbing




• 'He was wiping off his knife': BART stabbing victim recalls horrific attack that killed sister


• Heartbroken father demands justice after daughter stabbed at BART station


• 'Stand down': BART stabbing victim's godfather makes plea to black community


• TIPS: How to stay safe on BART


• Bart releases info on pair of homicides