A University of Massachusetts Dartmouth student faces murder charges in the death of a college football player from the same school.
Chukwunonso Uzoma-Eze, 19, pleaded not guilty in the New Bedford District Court in Massachusetts on Monday, Sept. 21, and agreed to be extradited to Rhode Island, where the incident took place. Authorities allege Eze stabbed two Corsairs football players, Marvins Antoine and Kensley Macean, shortly after midnight on Saturday, Sept. 19, after an altercation that began outside Mezzo Lounge and continued in a Wendy's parking lot in Providence.
Antoine, 18, was stabbed in the chest and was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Macean, 19, suffered non-life-threatening wounds to the head, neck and left
arm during the incident.
Police identified Eze as the suspect after witness interviews. His vehicle was later identified by surveillance cameras. He was arrested by UMass Dartmouth police as an investigation into the incident continues. Authorities do not believe Eze knew Antoine or Macean – who were with other members of the football team – personally.
"There were several patrons that were trying to get into the establishment and at some point, it was determined that no one else was coming in because it was over capacity," Police chief Oscar L. Perez said in a news conference. "A female was leaving and was involved in an altercation with the victims. The female actually knew the suspect, and there's where the disturbance and the disagreement escalated to this unfortunate homicide."
The alleged stabbing occurred hours after UMass Dartmouth's football team played at home Friday night. The alleged stabbing occurred in Providence, roughly 30 miles from the university's campus.
"Our hearts and prayers are very much with Marvins’ family, friends, classmates, and teammates as we mourn his loss together. We also send our prayers and best wishes for Kensley’s recovery, and hope that he will be able to resume his education here soon," university chancellor Mark A. Fuller said in a statement.
Antoine was a freshman running back for the Corsairs from Boston. He had yet to appear in a game during the 2026 season. Macean is freshman defensive back from Dighton, Massachusetts, who also hasn't played yet.
Contributing: Mike Brehm
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: UMass Dartmouth student charged in stabbing death of football player Marvins Antoine
