UMass Dartmouth Football Player Killed in Providence Stabbing

A University of Massachusetts Dartmouth football player, Marvins Antoine, was tragically killed, and fellow player Kensley Macean was injured in a stabbing incident early Saturday in Providence, Rhode Island. Police have arrested a fellow student in connection with the case.

The incident unfolded after Antoine and several teammates visited a nightclub in Providence on Friday night. This came just hours after their football game against Framingham State. According to the police, an altercation occurred at the Mezzo Lounge, and it escalated to the parking lot of a nearby Wendy’s restaurant, where the stabbing took place.

Antoine, an 18-year-old freshman running back, suffered stab wounds to his chest and was transported to Rhode Island Hospital, where he passed away. Macean, identified as a 19-year-old freshman defensive back, sustained non-life-threatening injuries to his head, neck, and left arm.

Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez announced at a news conference that Chukuwnonoso Uzoma Eze, another UMass Dartmouth student, has been arrested. Eze, 19, was apprehended on campus and is currently held by university police until he is extradited to Rhode Island to face a murder charge. Chief Perez stated that Eze is not affiliated with the football team and that the investigation is ongoing.

Chief Perez explained that the altercation began with a dispute involving a female and some of the victims in line at the nightclub. The situation later escalated to the Wendy’s parking lot. Surveillance cameras helped identify the car Eze used to flee, which led to his arrest on campus.

UMass Dartmouth Chancellor Mark Fuller expressed the community’s condolences and offered support to Antoine’s family and friends. He also extended hopes for Macean’s recovery and return to school. Antoine was remembered as a role model and an inspirational figure among his peers, with aspirations of playing in the NFL.

Orlando Delgado, a former high school teammate, spoke of Antoine’s positive influence, describing him as loyal and a good-hearted person. Delgado’s mother echoed these sentiments, recalling Antoine’s role as a peacemaker. Xavier Gracia, another former teammate, highlighted Antoine’s supportive nature and impact as an older brother figure.

UMass Dartmouth is located about 30 miles from Providence and 60 miles from Boston. This somber incident has deeply affected the university community and those connected to Antoine. The investigation continues as authorities seek to understand the full circumstances of the tragedy.