Photo: D-Keine / E+ / Getty Images
LOS ANGELES (CNS) - A man suspected of fatally stabbing a 23-year-old passenger without provocation aboard a Metro B (Red) Line train in downtown Los Angeles was charged with murder, prosecutors announced Wednesday.
Randy Lamale Nash, 31, allegedly killed Jesse Rodriguez last Thursday after following him onto a Metro train at Union Station, according to the District Attorney's Office.
Nash pleaded not guilty at an arraignment Tuesday. He is due back in court in downtown Los Angeles Oct. 13, when a date will be set for a hearing to determine if there is enough evidence for him to stand trial.
"I offer my deepest condolences to the loved ones of Mr. Rodriguez," District Attorney George Gascón said in a statement.
"This is a heartbreaking loss that affects us all as many Angelenos utilize public transportation daily and should not have to live in fear that they will be randomly attacked during their commutes. My office will do everything possible to ensure justice is served for Mr. Rodriguez and his family."
The murder charge includes an allegation that Nash used a hunting knife in the commission of the crime.
Prosecutors contend that while the train was approaching Pershing Square station, Nash got up, took out a large hunting knife, approached Rodriguez and stabbed him in the chest. The attack was captured on security video, prosecutors said.
When the train came to a stop, both Nash and Rodriguez exited the train, where two Los Angeles Transit Services Division police officers saw Rodriguez holding his chest and bleeding profusely, according to the District Attorney's Office. He was taken to a hospital where he died from the stab wound.
Nash, who fled the scene, was identified by family members after they saw images released to the media by police. Nash was arrested Saturday at a relative's home in South Los Angeles.
Nash was being held on $2 million bail.