Richard Collins III was just days away from graduating from Bowie State University and beginning his career in the Army as a second lieutenant when his life was cut short.
University of Maryland student Sean Urbanski, 22, is accused of stabbing Collins in what may have been a hate crime, according to a report by ABC 7 News.
On Saturday morning, Collins and two friends were waiting for an Uber ride near a bus stop outside Montgomery Hall on the University of Maryland's College Park campus. According to court documents released by ABC 7 News, Urbanski allegedly approached the group and told Collins to "Step left if you know what's best for you."
When Collins refused to move, Urbanski allegedly stabbed him in the chest. The stab wound proved fatal; Collins was pronounced dead at the hospital on Saturday, ABC 7 News reports.
"As we search for answers to this senseless crime, please continue to keep the family and friends of Lt. Collins, and the BSU community, in your thoughts and prayers," University of Maryland President Wallace Loh said. "We all grieve together for a promising life ended far too early."
This undated file photo provided by the University of Maryland Police Department shows Sean Urbanski, who was charged with fatally stabbing a visiting student Saturday, May 20, 2017, on campus.
Photo Credit: University of Maryland Police Department via AP, File
Collins was visiting the University of Maryland at the time of the attack, according to the Associated Press. Bowie State University, a historically black school, is about 10 miles from the University of Maryland.
A vigil to honor Collins is planned for Monday evening on the Bowie State campus, the AP reported. The school also plans a moment of silence during Tuesday's commencement, when Collins, 23, was supposed to graduate. ABC 7 News reported on Saturdaythat the victim appears to have no prior relationship with the suspect, and the incident was deemed to be a "random encounter."
On Sunday, ABC 7 News released a new report stating the incident is being investigated as a hate crime after detectives discovered Urbanski’s participation in a Facebook group called "Alt Reich: Nation," a group that Heavy reports was deleted. The FBI is now participating in the investigation.
"When I looked at the information that’s contained on that website, suffice it to say that it’s despicable. It shows extreme bias against women, Latinos, members of the Jewish faith and especially African Americans," University of Maryland Police Chief David Mitchell said, according to Heavy. "Which brings up questions as to the motive in this case. Knowing that we will continue to look for digital evidence, among other items of evidentiary value."
Urbanski is being held without bond and is expected to appear in court Monday afternoon. He has been charged with first- and second-degree murder as well as first-degree assault. Motive has yet to be definitively determined.
Rachael Kalinyak is an editorial intern with Network Solutions.
