Suspect captured, community marches through Oakland to mourn BART stabbing victim

ByAmanda del Castillio KGO logo

Monday, July 23, 2018

Suspect accused of killing beloved Oakland 18-year-old still on loose

Officials are urging the public to contact them if they see the 27-year-old man accused of killing Nia Wilson, a beloved sister, daughter, and friend who was tragically stabbed to death at Oakland's MacArthur BART station.

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- BART police have identified a Bay Area transient as the man responsible for the vicious stabbing murder of 18-year-old Nia Wilson, and the wounding of her older sister Lahtifa Wilson.

Officials say that an anonymous tip led to the arrest of the suspected killer, John Lee Cowell, who had been previously cited for not having proof of payment.

The community is demanding answers and justice.

VIDEO: 'Remember Her' A tribute to Nia Wilson

Nia Wilson was just 18 years old when she was killed in an unprovoked stabbing at MacArthur BART station in Oakland. Fighting through sorrow, her friends, family, and the community at large are mourning the teenager who brightened the lives of those she knew, and has inspired many who never got the chance.

Nia and her two sisters boarded a BART train in Concord on Sunday night. BART police told ABC7 News the suspect and victims rode the same train to the MacArthur station, and got off around 9:30 p.m.

BART PD said the man was unprovoked when he pulled out a knife and attacked the young women. The attack killed Nia.

"Everything that we've uncovered up to this point, we see no altercation," BART PD Chief Carlos Rojas said. "We don't have any information that there was any type of dispute."

Chief Rojas described the attack as one of the most vicious he's seen throughout the decades he's spent on the force.

Rojas explained BART police officers were on-site, already patrolling MacArthur BART station when the stabbing happened. However, the suspect got away as officers rendered aid to Nia and her sister.

Police found the knife used to kill Nia at a nearby construction site.

BART PD said surveillance video played a crucial role in this murder investigation, and in identifying the suspect.

In the past, BART has been criticized for its use of fake, decoy cameras and its failure to capture other serious crimes.

However, BART Board President Robert Raburn told ABC7 News the cameras are now working, and helped provide another look at the suspect.

On July 18, officers cited John Lee Cowell for not having a proof of payment. BART PD shared a freeze frame from an officer's body cam.

VIDEO: This is the moment the BART stabbing suspect was arrested

John Cowell is accused of killing 18-year-old Nia Wilson and injuring her sister Letifah Wilson at MacArthur BART. He was arrested Monday afternoon at a different BART station in Pleasant Hill.

Nia's godfather and a member of the Stop Killing Our Kids organization is hoping evidence will lead to more answers.

Daryle Allums said, "We don't know if it's racist, we don't know if this was random. We don't know what it was, but we're asking the African American community to stand down right now. Let's get this information to find out what really happened."

There is growing speculation about whether the attack was a hate crime, and whether the suspect belonged to any white nationalist group.

Chief Rojas says the department hasn't found that to be the case. However, commuters aren't conviced

Luna Carmen told ABC7 News, "I don't know how divisive everything is getting and all of the racist sentiment here. Seems to be getting worse and it's heartbreaking."

BART police didn't comment on the suspect's mental competency. However, they say he should be considered dangerous. Don't approach Cowell, instead call 911.

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: