Nia Wilson's family files claim against BART after fatal stabbing
OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- Nia Wilson's family and her attorneys stood next to the 18-year-old's photo during a press conference Friday where they announced they filed a complaint against BART.
"Nia's death is not some horrific anomaly that occurred in two seconds that nobody could do anything about," said Attorney Robert Arns.
Arns says BART failed to meet the duty of common carriers to provide riders with the highest standard of care.
RELATED: BART stabbing suspect charged with murder, attempted murder
"There's a serious and endemic public safety problem on BART and just about everybody who rides BART knows that," said Arns.
On Sunday, July 22,
"The experts in this case will testify there's a high correlation between fare evasion and violent crime," said Arns.
He also says that two witnesses will testify they had interactions with Cowell in the days and week prior to Nia Wilson's stabbing.
One was a 72-year-old woman at the Civic Center BART station who Arns says Cowell accosted.
"She said I'm not afraid of you and he motioned I'm going to slit your throat," said Arns.
The other person was at MacArthur BART. Arns says she saw Cowell brandishing a knife. Both women attempted to report the incidents.
VIDEO: 'Remember Her': A tribute to Nia Wilson
"There were no station agents," said Arns.
Arns says the woman at MacArthur BART called police to report the incident.
In an emailed statement, a BART spokesperson writes, "We have not yet been served and we can't comment on pending litigation, but we can say that safety is our top priority and we remain committed to do all we can to ensure a safe trip for our riders."
The family's attorneys are demanding BART post up to date information about crime on BART but inside and outside the stations.
"We want this to be called the Nia Wilson crime statistics notice," said Arns.
They are also calling on BART to catch fare evaders in the act and implement polices to deter crime.
CONTINUING COVERAGE ON DEADLY BART STABBING:
- What we know about deadly stabbing at Oakland's MacArthur BART station
- Here's how you can help the family of BART stabbing victim Nia Wilson
- 'Remember Her': A tribute to Nia Wilson
- 'He was wiping off his knife': BART stabbing victim recalls horrific attack that killed sister
- Chilling dispatch call describes terrifying fatal MacArthur BART stabbing
- Heartbroken father demands justice after daughter stabbed at BART station
- Anne Hathaway shares powerful post about Nia Wilson
- Artists nationwide remember BART stabbing victim Nia Wilson in their art
- Celebrities share grief, sorrow for BART stabbing victim Nia Wilson
- 'Stand down': BART stabbing victim's godfather makes plea to black community
- TIPS: How to stay safe on BART
- Bart releases info on pair of homicides
