Victim In Fatal South Station Stabbing Identified

The incident reportedly took place on an escalator inside the MBTA station.

By Benjamin Pierce, Patch Staff

Aug 17, 2026 3:29 PM EDT

No arrests in connection to the stabbing have been announced. (Jenna Fisher/Patch)

BOSTON, MA — The man who was fatally stabbed inside South Station last week following an altercation on an escalator has been identified as a 29-year-old Tennessee man, according to Boston Police.

Police identified the victim as Latavius Owens, 29, of Memphis, Tennessee.

Owens was stabbed shortly after 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 12, at the station at 675 Atlantic Ave.

Transit Police officers responded at approximately 5:33 p.m. and found Owens suffering from an apparent stab wound inside the train station. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

A preliminary investigation indicates Owens and another person became involved in an altercation on an escalator leading to an exit from South Station before the stabbing, according to Boston Police.

Boston Police Superintendent Paul McLaughlin previously said investigators were interviewing witnesses and reviewing surveillance footage as they worked to determine the circumstances surrounding the stabbing.

Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden previously said it was too early in the investigation to determine whether the stabbing was a random act of violence. Hayden also noted that the incident occurred during a busy period at the transportation hub and said investigators believed there were potential witnesses to the altercation.

The incident also disrupted Red Line service Wednesday evening, with trains temporarily bypassing South Station before regular service resumed.

Anyone with information about the altercation before, during, or after the stabbing is asked to contact the Boston Police Homicide Unit at 617-343-4470. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1-800-494-TIPS or by texting the word "TIP" to CRIME (27463). The Boston Neighborhood Trauma Team provides free, confidential support 24 hours a day for those affected by violence and can be reached at 617-431-0125.

The situation remains under investigation by the Boston Police Department's Homicide Unit.