A tragic event unfolded early Saturday in Providence, Rhode Island, affecting the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth community. Two football players were involved in a stabbing incident, leaving Marvins Antoine dead and Kensley Macean injured. Police have charged a fellow student with murder.
Details of the Incident
The incident took place after a group of UMass Dartmouth football players, including freshman running back Marvins Antoine, visited a nightclub called Mezzo Lounge following a home game loss to Framingham State. Providence police reported that the altercation began at the nightclub around midnight and escalated, moving to the parking lot of a Wendy’s restaurant across the street.
Antoine, aged 18, sustained fatal stab wounds to the chest and was rushed to Rhode Island Hospital where he later died. The school identified Kensley Macean, a 19-year-old freshman defensive back, as the injured player. Macean was treated for non-life-threatening injuries to his head, neck, and left arm.
Arrest and Investigation
During a news conference, Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez announced the arrest of 19-year-old Chukuwnonoso Uzoma Eze, a student at UMass Dartmouth. Eze was apprehended on campus and is being held until extradition to Rhode Island to face a murder charge. Eze is not associated with the football team, and investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the altercation.
Chief Perez mentioned that there was an initial disagreement involving a female and some victims, but it’s unclear if there were prior associations between the involved parties. Flock cameras aided police in identifying the vehicle Eze used to flee, facilitating his swift capture on campus.
Community Reactions
UMass Dartmouth Chancellor Mark Fuller expressed condolences to Antoine’s family, friends, and teammates, emphasizing the collective mourning of his loss. He also extended wishes for Macean’s recovery and return to his studies.
Antoine, a graduate of Durfee High School in Fall River, Massachusetts, is remembered fondly by former teammates. Orlando Delgado recalled Antoine’s aspirations to join the NFL and described him as a loyal role model and peacemaker. Delgado’s mother, Ashania Chambers, expressed devastation at the incident, highlighting Antoine’s positive impact. Xavier Gracia, another former teammate, praised Antoine’s supportive nature and influence as an older brother figure.