Woman Stabbed To Death In Unprovoked Metro Train Attack

STUDIO CITY, CA —A woman was stabbed to death while getting off the train at the Universal City/Studio City Metro B Line Station in Studio City early Monday morning.

The suspect, later identified as 45-year-old Elliot Tramel Nowden, was arrested about 30 minutes later near Ventura Boulevard and Vineland Avenue, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Police said the stabbing appeared to be a completely unprovoked attack. Authorities initially described the suspect as a man carrying two bags. Police did not identify a motive.

Nowden was booked on suspicion of murder and was being held in lieu of $2 million bail.

The attack happened at about 5 a.m. Monday. Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics were called to the station platform at the 3900 block of Lankershim Boulevard. According to authorities, a woman had been slashed in the neck with a knife. She was rushed to a nearby hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Police have withheld the woman's identity pending notification of her family.

"Shortly before 5 a.m., a female patron on the Metro B Line was stabbed as she was exiting the train at the Universal City Station," Metro's Dave Sotero said in a statement.

"Metro contract security began rendering aid until medical personnel arrived. The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the scene and the victim was transported to a local hospital where, unfortunately, she succumbed to her injuries," Sotero said. "Metro extends its condolences to her family and friends."

The Studio City station — which is often used by people visiting nearby Universal Studios Hollywood — was closed down during the investigation, meaning trains were not stopping at the location, and buses were used to shuttle passengers through the area. Metro reported early Monday afternoon that the station had been reopened.

The attack forced authorities to halt stops at the station, and busses were being used to shuttle rail passengers, according to Metro officials.

Anyone with information about the stabbing was urged to call 877-LAPD- 247 or Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS.

City News Service contributed to this report.