The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth community is mourning the loss of 18-year-old Marvins Antoine, a freshman running back who was fatally stabbed early Saturday morning in Providence, Rhode Island.
Antoine, who was from Boston and a graduate of Durfee High School in Fall River, was with several of his UMass Dartmouth football teammates at Mezzo Lounge in Providence following the team’s Friday night game against Framingham State University.
According to Providence police, an altercation began at the nightclub around midnight before continuing outside and across the street at a Wendy’s parking lot on Charles Street. Officers responded around 12:30 a.m. and found Antoine and another UMass Dartmouth football player suffering from stab wounds.
Antoine had been stabbed in the chest. He was transported to Rhode Island Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
His teammate, 19-year-old Kensley Macean, a freshman defensive back, was also hospitalized after suffering injuries to his head, neck and left arm. Police described his injuries as non-life-threatening.
Police arrested 19-year-old Chukuwnonso Uzoma Eze, another UMass Dartmouth student, in connection with the incident. Authorities say he is facing a murder charge in Antoine’s death. Investigators have said Eze was not a member of the football team and that there was no indication that he knew Antoine or Macean before the incident.
As of Monday, Eze was being held in Massachusetts and had agreed to be extradited to Rhode Island. A New Bedford District Court judge ordered him held without bail while the extradition process moves forward. He is expected to face the murder charge in Providence.
Investigators are continuing to interview witnesses, review surveillance footage and examine evidence as they work to establish the complete sequence of events that led to the stabbing. Police have said additional charges could be filed as the investigation continues.
Those who knew Antoine are remembering him not only as a promising athlete but also as a supportive teammate and friend.
Former high school teammate Orlando Delgado described Antoine as someone who welcomed others and served as a role model. Other former teammates remembered him as loyal, respectful and someone who tried to diffuse conflicts.
Antoine had aspirations of playing professional football. His former teammates and coaches have spoken about his dedication to the sport and the goals he hoped to accomplish.
UMass Dartmouth Chancellor Mark A. Fuller expressed condolences to Antoine’s family, friends, classmates and teammates while also wishing Macean a full recovery. The university has made counseling and support services available to students and employees following the tragedy.
The loss of Antoine has left his family, teammates and community grieving a young man whose college football career had only just begun.
Y’all Know What sends our deepest condolences to Marvins Antoine’s family, friends, teammates and everyone who knew and loved him. We also send prayers for Kensley Macean’s continued recovery.
