A Maryland man has been charged with the brutal murder of a 61-year-old man who was ambushed and beaten to death at a train station. Authorities say Nicholas Duncan, 30, attacked the victim, Stanley Hutchinson III, while he was on his way to work early in the morning on April 16, 2026. Duncan has been charged with first- and second-degree murder and is currently being held without bond.
The Attack at Addison Road Metro Station
According to charging documents obtained by Law&Crime and reported by NBC affiliate WRC, the attack took place at approximately 5 a.m. as Hutchinson was approaching the Addison Road Metro station. Hutchinson, who was on his way to work, is believed to have briefly spoken with Duncan as he walked past him. At some point during their interaction, Duncan allegedly pulled a metal pipe from his bag and struck Hutchinson in the back of the head, causing him to fall to the ground.
Duncan reportedly continued to beat Hutchinson in the head and face with the pipe before pouring an “unknown liquid” from a clear bottle over him. After stomping on Hutchinson, Duncan fled the scene, leaving Hutchinson severely injured.
Investigators Believe the Attack Was Random
Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Tara Jackson expressed her concern over the random nature of the attack during a news conference, saying, “Mr. Hutchinson was going to work, so it appears, at 5 a.m. in the morning.” Investigators do not believe the two men knew each other and suspect the attack was unprovoked.
After the attack, officers responded to the scene and found what they believed to be the murder weapon, along with other evidence. Duncan was arrested shortly afterward at a nearby bus stop, where he was found with red stains on his clothes and shoes. He was booked into jail and made a court appearance on Monday.
Victim Remembered as a “Gentle Giant”
Hutchinson’s family and friends have expressed their shock and grief over his death. Jackson, who shared her findings about Hutchinson, described him as “a hard worker” and “a gentle giant” who would “do anything” for his loved ones. His murder has left his family and the community reeling, as Hutchinson was known for his kindness and dedication.
Court Proceedings and Future Hearings
Duncan is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on May 18, 2026. He remains in custody without bond as the investigation continues. This violent and seemingly random attack has raised concerns in the local community, particularly about safety in public spaces like train stations.
