A University of Massachusetts Dartmouth football player died and another was injured following a stabbing early Saturday in Providence, Rhode Island. Authorities later arrested a fellow UMass Dartmouth student, 19-year-old Chukuwnonoso Uzoma Eze, who faces a murder charge in connection with the incident.
The confrontation began around midnight at the Mezzo Lounge nightclub after the UMass Dartmouth football team had played a home game against Framingham State. Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez stated that an initial altercation involving a female and some victims occurred while they were in line at the club. The conflict then moved across the street to a Wendy’s restaurant parking lot.
Marvins Antoine, an 18-year-old freshman running back, died at Rhode Island Hospital from stab wounds to the chest. A second student, 19-year-old freshman defensive back Kensley Macean, was treated for non-life-threatening injuries to his head, neck, and arm. Police used Flock license plate recognition cameras to identify the vehicle Eze used to leave the scene, leading to his arrest on the university campus, located approximately 30 miles from Providence.
Marvins Antoine was a graduate of Durfee High School in Fall River. The suspect, Chukuwnonoso Uzoma Eze, a 19-year-old student, faces legal proceedings.
Chancellor Mark Fuller issued a statement acknowledging the loss and expressing hope that Macean will eventually be able to return to his education.
The use of Flock camera technology in this investigation helped municipal police track the suspect. While police indicated the individuals may not have known each other, the investigation continues into the specific circumstances of the altercation. Eze was initially held by UMass Dartmouth police pending extradition to Rhode Island to face formal charges.