A teenager named Brian Dowling has been charged with the random stabbing death of poet and activist Ryan Carson in New York City. The attack was caught on camera, showing Dowling allegedly confronting Carson and subsequently stabbing him three times as Carson tried to flee. After the attack, Dowling also spat in Carson’s girlfriend’s face.
Dowling’s lawyer claims that his client is a “good kid” who wasn’t “looking for trouble” and may have mental health issues. However, the prosecution argues that Dowling stabbed Carson “without provocation.” Dowling was denied bail, and investigators reportedly recovered clothing matching the suspect’s outfit from his home.
Ryan Carson, 31, was a senior solid waste campaign manager at the New York Public Interest Research Group and an activist addressing overdose deaths. His death has sparked community support, with a GoFundMe page raising funds to help his partner and friends take time off work to mourn.
Dowling is due back in court on Wednesday.