PROVIDENCE — A University of Massachusetts Dartmouth freshman football player was fatally stabbed early Saturday after an altercation that began outside a Charles Street nightclub and continued in the nearby Wendy’s parking lot, Providence police said.
Victim identified, teammate hospitalized
Police and the university identified the slain student as Marvins Antoine, 18. Antoine, a freshman running back and a graduate of Durfee High School in Fall River, was transported to Rhode Island Hospital where he succumbed to stab wounds to the chest, authorities said.
Another UMass Dartmouth player, 19-year-old Kensley Macean, a freshman defensive back and a Dighton-Rehoboth High School graduate, suffered injuries to his head, neck and left arm. Providence police described Macean’s wounds as non-life-threatening and said he was being treated at a local hospital.
Arrest made; suspect held by university police
Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez said investigators arrested a 19-year-old UMass Dartmouth student, Chukuwnonoso Uzoma Eze, on the university campus Saturday. Eze is not a member of the football team. He is currently being held by UMass Dartmouth police until he can be transported to Rhode Island to face a murder charge, Perez said.
“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.”
Sequence and investigation details
According to police, Antoine and other members of the UMass Dartmouth football team had been at the Mezzo Lounge on Charles Street Friday night, hours after the Corsairs lost a home game to Framingham State. The confrontation moved across the street to the Wendy’s parking lot at about 12:30 a.m. Saturday, when two players were stabbed.
Chief Perez said investigators used footage from nearby Flock camera systems to identify the vehicle in which the suspect fled the scene, aiding the immediate arrest. Police said they are continuing to investigate “what led up to the stabbing.”
Community and campus response
UMass Dartmouth confirmed the identities of both student-athletes and noted Antoine’s high school. The university has not released additional comment beyond confirming the students’ enrollment and the information provided by police. Providence city officials and campus law enforcement have not released further details about any potential charges beyond the murder allegation.
What we know
- Victim: Marvins Antoine, 18, UMass Dartmouth freshman (running back)
- Injured: Kensley Macean, 19, UMass Dartmouth freshman (defensive back) — non-life-threatening injuries
- Suspect: Chukuwnonoso Uzoma Eze, 19, UMass Dartmouth student — arrested, held for transfer to Rhode Island
- Location: Wendy’s parking lot, Charles Street, Providence
- Time: Approximately 12:30 a.m. Saturday
| Person | Age | Role | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marvins Antoine | 18 | UMass Dartmouth freshman, running back | Deceased (stab wounds) |
| Kensley Macean | 19 | UMass Dartmouth freshman, defensive back | Hospitalized, non-life-threatening injuries |
| Chukuwnonoso Uzoma Eze | 19 | UMass Dartmouth student (not on football team) | Arrested, held by university police |
Next steps in the case
Providence police said detectives are interviewing witnesses, reviewing surveillance and coordinating with UMass Dartmouth law enforcement in the ongoing investigation. Officials have not yet released a motive or indicated whether additional suspects or charges are expected.
Anyone with information about the incident has been asked to contact Providence Police. As the case develops, prosecutors will determine formal charges once the suspect is transferred to Rhode Island custody and the investigation is complete.
This is a developing story. WE NEWS will provide updates as new, verified information becomes available.
