Man banned from public transit for violence sentenced to life for stabbing woman on L.A. train

LOS ANGELES (TCN) -- A 47-year-old man who had previously been banned from riding Los Angeles Metro trains has been sentenced to life in prison for fatally stabbing a 67-year-old woman as she rode a train home from work.

In November, Elliot Nowden was found guilty of first-degree murder and robbery, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced in a press release Dec. 12. He had been convicted of stabbing a college student in the chest aboard the Expo Line in 2019 and was sentenced to four years in state prison. As part of his plea deal, he was barred from riding Metro trains.

On April 22, 2024, Nowden fatally stabbed 67-year-old Mirna Soza Arauz in the throat and stole her bag while both were on a Metro train at about 5 a.m., according to the district attorney’s office. 

The Los Angeles Times reports Arauz worked the night shift as a restaurant security guard. She was reportedly on her way home when Nowden approached her with two serrated kitchen knives, stabbed her in the throat, and took her bag.

According to the Los Angeles Times, Nowden took the stand in his own defense at trial. He admitted he had been homeless and used methamphetamine daily.

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