Atlanta Senior Citizen, 66, Stabbed in Horrific Train Attack, Police Arrest Suspect [WATCH]

A 66-year-old Atlanta woman died Saturday after she was attacked aboard a MARTA train in what transit police described as a random act of violence, as reported by Fox News.

The victim was identified by the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office as Margaret Swan. MARTA Police Chief Scott Kreher said Swan was attacked while the train was traveling between the Lakewood-Fort McPherson and Oakland City stations.

John Elijah Matthews, 25, has been charged with murder and malice in Swan’s death.

UPDATE: This is the actual mugshot of the killer: 25-year-old John Elijah Matthews, charged with the murder of 66-year-old Margaret Swan. https://t.co/8YzPMSvpla pic.twitter.com/IF1ZD7idOE

— Keaton Hobby (@RealKeatonHobby) June 1, 2026

“This appears to be a senseless act of violence, and our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones and those who witnessed this horrific incident,” MARTA said in a statement.

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According to a warrant obtained by FOX 5 Atlanta, Swan was sitting alone on the train when Matthews allegedly approached her. CCTV footage reportedly showed Swan alone in the train car at 11:21 a.m. Saturday. Just before 11:25 a.m., Matthews was seen on board and walking toward the side of the train where Swan was seated.

The warrant said that 19 seconds later, Matthews “is seen walking up to (Swan) and standing just to her right.”

Several seconds after that, authorities said Matthews allegedly took out a knife, opened it, and cut Swan in the throat. 11Alive reported that Swan was stabbed 18 to 20 times during the unprovoked attack.

The warrant said Swan screamed for help during the attack as the stabbing continued. Surveillance video then reportedly showed the suspect “throwing [Swan] to the floor and standing near her until the train arrived at the Oakland City Station,” less than two minutes later.

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When the train reached Oakland City Station, Matthews allegedly exited the train with the knife still in his hand as officers rushed to the scene. He was arrested shortly after and charged.

This one really pisses me off.

A 66 year old woman named Margaret Swan got stabbed to death yesterday on a MARTA train at Oakland City Station. Just sitting there minding her own business when a 25-year-old guy named John Elijah Matthews allegedly walked up and stabbed her…— Michael Mattox – The Mad Ox (@TheRealMadOx) June 1, 2026

Emergency medical workers attempted life-saving measures, but Swan died at the scene.

The case has added to concerns among Atlanta train riders about public transit safety. FOX 5 reported that another man was stabbed multiple times last week at the Georgia State MARTA station.

The fatal attack on Swan occurred aboard public transportation as the train approached Oakland City Station. MARTA police said the attack appeared random, and authorities have not reported any prior connection between Swan and Matthews.

Fox News Digital reported that it reached out to the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office for additional information.

Matthews remains charged in connection with Swan’s death as the case proceeds.

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