UMass Dartmouth football player killed in stabbing in Providence, fellow student charged with murder
UMass Dartmouth Student Charged in Fatal Providence Stabbing
Wertynews.com – A UMass Dartmouth football player killed in a Providence stabbing is being remembered as a supportive teammate and ambitious young athlete. Freshman running back Marvins Antoine, 18, died after he was stabbed early Saturday, while teammate Kensley Macean was injured.
Antoine was taken to Rhode Island Hospital with stab wounds to his chest and later died. Macean, a 19-year-old freshman defensive back, was also hospitalized with injuries to his head, neck and left arm that police said were not life-threatening.
Chukuwnonoso Uzoma Eze, 19, a UMass Dartmouth student who was not on the football team, was charged with murder in Antoine’s death. He was arrested on the university campus, according to authorities, before being transported to Rhode Island.
Police Investigate Altercation Near Providence Nightclub
Authorities said Antoine and other football players had visited Mezzo Lounge in Providence on Friday night, hours after UMass Dartmouth lost a home game to Framingham State. A confrontation reportedly began at the nightclub and later moved across the street to the parking lot of a Wendy’s restaurant around midnight.
Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez said two football players were stabbed during the confrontation. Investigators had no indication that the people involved knew one another before the incident.
“There was an altercation between a female and some of the victims that were in line,” Perez said. “And then the altercation moved over to the parking lot of the Wendy’s but we have no indication that they knew each other.”
Police said Flock cameras in the area helped investigators identify the vehicle Eze allegedly used to leave the scene. That information led officers to locate him at UMass Dartmouth.
Marvins Antoine Remembered by Friends and Former Teammates
Antoine graduated from Durfee High School in Fall River, Massachusetts. Former teammates described him as encouraging, loyal and focused on football, with hopes of one day playing in the NFL.
Orlando Delgado, who played alongside Antoine in high school, recalled his friend’s determination and competitive energy.
“He always wanted to say how he wanted to be in the NFL,” Delgado said. “He was super loyal. He was an example setter. He was just always a good person to be around.”
Ashania Chambers, Delgado’s mother, said Antoine was known as a peacemaker, making the news of his death especially painful for those who knew him.
“He was a peacemaker,” Chambers said. “So to hear about a situation like this it's very devastating. It's hurtful.”
Former teammate Xavier Gracia said Antoine was like an older brother to many of his friends and classmates.
UMass Dartmouth Offers Support After Student’s Death
UMass Dartmouth Chancellor Mark Fuller offered condolences to Antoine’s family, friends, classmates and teammates. He also wished Macean a full recovery and expressed hope that he could resume his education.
“Our hearts and prayers are very much with Marvins' family, friends, classmates, and teammates as we mourn his loss together,” Fuller said.
The death of the UMass Dartmouth football player has affected the university, the football program and the Fall River community. Antoine is being remembered for his character, goals and the positive role he played in the lives of people around him.
Eze’s murder charge is an accusation, and responsibility in Antoine’s death will be decided through the legal process.
FAQ: Providence Stabbing Involving UMass Dartmouth Students
Who was killed in the Providence stabbing?
Marvins Antoine, an 18-year-old UMass Dartmouth freshman running back and Durfee High School graduate, died after being stabbed.
Where did the stabbing happen?
Police said the stabbing happened in the parking lot of a Wendy’s restaurant across from Mezzo Lounge in Providence.
Was another UMass Dartmouth football player injured?
Yes. Freshman defensive back Kensley Macean was injured and taken to Rhode Island Hospital. Police described his injuries as not life-threatening.
Has anyone been charged?
Chukuwnonoso Uzoma Eze, a 19-year-old UMass Dartmouth student who was not on the football team, was charged with murder. The charge remains an accusation pending the legal process.