Great-grandmother stabbed to death aboard Atlanta train in random attack

ATLANTA (TCN) -- A 66-year-old woman was stabbed to death in a random attack on an Atlanta commuter train, and a 25-year-old man has been charged with murder in connection with the incident.

On May 30, John Elijah Matthews allegedly approached Margaret Swan while both were aboard a Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) train and stabbed her approximately 20 times with a pocket knife, The Associated Press reports.

According to MARTA Police Chief Scott Kreher, “He walked over, stood next to her, and within 30 seconds he had killed her. … He looked at her, didn’t say anything to her, pulled out a knife,” per the AP. 

Swan’s daughter, Shanae Sams, said Swan’s throat was cut during the attack as well, WAGA reports.

Matthews allegedly exited the train at the next stop and sat down on the platform. He was arrested without incident shortly afterward, and Swan was pronounced dead at the scene after first responders attempted lifesaving measures, per WAGA. 

WXIA reports Matthews was charged with murder following his arrest.

According to Kreher, Swan and Matthews did not know each other. 

WXIA reports that Swan spent her career caring for children in day care centers. She never learned to drive and took the train frequently. She had three children, five grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. According to her daughter, Swan carried a knife with her for protection, but the May 30 incident happened so quickly she was unable to defend herself.

WAGA reports Matthews chose to waive his initial court appearance, which had been scheduled for June 1.

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