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

Monday, July 23, 2018

Stabbing victim's godfather asks African American community to 'stand down' during investigation

A vigil turned demonstration was filled with frustration in Oakland as family, friends, and supporters of Nia Wilson gathered at the Oakland BART station where the 18-year-old was stabbed to death Sunday night by a stranger.The godfather of Nia Wilson has asked the African-American community to 'stand down' while police investigate fatal stabbing at MacArthur Station in Oakland.

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.

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

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.

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:

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