John Elijah Matthews faces a federal charge of committing an act of violence causing death on a mass transportation system after allegedly murdering a 66-year-old woman aboard a Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) train last weekend, according to a June 2 announcement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia.
U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg said, “Margaret Swan was a beloved great-grandmother who was brutally killed in an unprovoked act of senseless violence. Her loss deeply affects her family, friends, and our entire community. Atlantans and the many people who will soon visit for the FIFA World Cup deserve to travel free from fear of a violent attack. We will not tolerate murder and mayhem on MARTA, and anyone who uses a dangerous weapon to seriously injure or kill on public transportation may face swift and unrelenting federal prosecution.”
Marlo Graham, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta, said, “Margaret Swan was an innocent woman simply trying to get to her destination. My hope is these charges will bring justice for her and her family. This crime also impacts everyone who relies on mass transportation to move about their daily lives. Using Atlanta’s train system should be safe and free of violence.”
According to information presented in court by Hertzberg, on May 30, 2026, Margaret Swan was riding northbound from Lakewood station when video surveillance allegedly showed Matthews standing next to her before pulling out a folding knife at approximately 11:25 a.m., stabbing Swan about 20 times as she attempted to defend herself. Other passengers fled for safety; at least one confirmed there had been no interaction between Swan and Matthews prior to the attack.
After the train stopped at Oakland City station, police arrested Matthews in possession of what appeared to be the weapon used in the attack along with blood-stained clothing. First responders attempted emergency medical aid but pronounced Swan dead at the scene.
Matthews has been charged with committing an act of violence using a dangerous weapon with intent to cause death on mass transit; if convicted he could face life imprisonment or possibly the death penalty pending determination by the Attorney General of the United States. He remains in local custody pending his appearance in federal court.
The public is reminded that charges are allegations only; Matthews is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt at trial.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and MARTA Police Department are investigating this case as part of Operation Take Back America—a Department of Justice initiative focused on combating violent crime nationally.
The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia serves as principal federal law enforcement agency covering north Georgia mountains through metro Atlanta suburbs up to borders with Alabama and Carolinas while prioritizing threats such as terrorism, human trafficking, civil rights violations and collaborating across jurisdictions, according to its official website.
