A 25-year-old Georgia man faces federal and state charges after allegedly stabbing a 66-year-old woman to death on a MARTA train in Atlanta. The attack occurred without warning last Saturday.
John Elijah Matthews is charged with murder in the death of Margaret Swan. Authorities say the incident took place shortly before 11:30 a.m. near the Oakland City MARTA station. Matthews allegedly entered the train, stood near Swan who was sitting alone, and stabbed her 18 to 20 times with a pocketknife. He reportedly stood over her until the train reached the station, where officers arrested him with the knife still in hand. On Tuesday federal authorities added a charge of committing an act of violence causing death on a mass transportation system. FBI special agent Marlo Graham said the charges aim to bring justice for Swan and her family while underscoring safety on public transit. Swan is survived by three children, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Her daughter Shanae Sams described her as the rock of the family whose life was stolen for no reason.
