Great-grandmother fatally stabbed on Atlanta train
A 66-year-old great-grandmother lost her life in a shocking, unprovoked stabbing incident aboard a train in Atlanta. This tragedy has prompted federal charges against John Elijah Matthews. Her daughter is understandably devastated and is seeking answers regarding transit safety. Bruce Lebel, a former chairman of the MARTA Steering Committee, plans to address safety concerns affecting one of our busiest public transportation systems, particularly the challenges related to homeless individuals taking refuge on trains.
Violent incidents in public transportation across three major US cities are raising alarm among commuters, reigniting anger over how the justice system deals with repeat offenders. Recent incidents include a shooting on Atlanta’s MARTA system, a stabbing at New York City’s Penn Station, and a stabbing on the Lynx Blue Line in Charlotte.
1. MARTA — Anthony Tyrone Gresham
Anthony Tyrone Gresham, 42, a convicted felon, is charged with opening fire at the MARTA Midtown Station and injuring a 17-year-old boy on June 5. Authorities allege Gresham approached the boy, brandished a gun, and fired three shots. The teenager sustained serious injuries and had to be taken to a hospital.
Following the attack, Gresham fled, leading to a multi-agency pursuit that ended two days later when he was apprehended in Douglasville. He has been charged with several counts, including assault with intent to cause serious injury on public transport, possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, and discharging a firearm during a violent crime.
This shooting has intensified scrutiny on MARTA’s safety measures, especially after the earlier stabbing of great-grandmother Margaret Swan, which also remains under investigation.
In a different yet equally alarming case, John Elijah Matthews, 25, a homeless man from Decatur, Georgia, has been charged federally for allegedly assaulting with a dangerous weapon on mass transit, which carries severe implications.
2. Penn Station — Hector Deleon
Meanwhile, Hector Deleon, aged 51, has been identified as the suspect in a stabbing incident at Penn Station that left five people injured. The attack occurred in the New Jersey Transit area on June 7, and one victim suffered serious injuries. Deleon has a history of arrests, including a prior incident where he slashed a man’s neck.
Victims have voiced their frustrations, with one, Henry Obadiah, criticizing lenient crime policies after his own stabbing experience in Penn Station. He vividly recalled how an angry encounter escalated into violence.
3. Charlotte Light Rail — DeCarlos Brown Jr.
In Charlotte, 35-year-old DeCarlos Brown Jr. is facing charges for fatally stabbing 23-year-old Irina Zalutka on the Lynx Blue Line in August 2025. Brown allegedly attacked her while she was seated, resulting in federal charges that could lead to life imprisonment or the death penalty if he is convicted.
Despite his violent history and mental health issues, Brown was on the streets before the incident. Following a psychiatric evaluation, he was deemed incompetent to stand trial, and a special facility will treat him under federal supervision. U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson emphasized the importance of delivering justice for Zalutka’s family and highlighted that Brown would remain in custody during this process.
If the situation changes and he is found competent, potential court proceedings could resume. But for now, the focus remains on ensuring safety and justice for the victims of these troubling incidents.
