A 25-year-old Georgia man has been charged with murder after allegedly fatally stabbing a 66-year-old woman on a MARTA train in Atlanta in what investigators describe as an unprovoked attack.
Woman Fatally Stabbed on MARTA Train
According to authorities, the incident happened shortly before 11:30 a.m. on Saturday near the Oakland City MARTA station.
Police say Margaret Swan was sitting alone on the train when John Elijah Matthews allegedly approached her and suddenly attacked her with a pocketknife. Investigators allege Matthews cut Swan’s throat and then stabbed her multiple times as she tried to escape.
Authorities said Matthews remained near the victim until the train arrived at the station.
Suspect Arrested at Station
Officers responding to the scene spotted Matthews getting off the train and arrested him. Police said the knife was still in his possession at the time.
Despite emergency efforts, Swan died from her injuries.
Investigators stated that Swan and Matthews did not appear to know each other and had no interaction before the attack.
Federal Charges Filed
In addition to the murder charge, federal authorities have charged Matthews with committing an act of violence causing death on a mass transportation system.
Matthews reportedly declined to speak with detectives following his arrest.
Family Mourns Loss
Swan’s family described her as the foundation of their family. She is survived by three children, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Her daughter said Swan was on her way home when the attack occurred and called her a “phenomenal person” whose life was taken without reason.
