Title: New York City Activist Fatally Stabbed: Suspect Charged with Murder
Date: [Current Date]
NEW YORK — The NYPD has reported that Brian Dowling, an 18-year-old resident of Brooklyn, is now facing murder charges in connection with the deadly stabbing of public policy activist Ryan Carson. CBS New York was present at the scene when Dowling was apprehended at approximately 10 a.m. on Thursday.
Police sources informed CBS New York that Dowling was taken to the 81st Precinct for questioning before ultimately being charged with murder and criminal possession of a weapon.
Surveillance video footage revealed a person of interest in the case. The video captured Carson and his girlfriend at a bus stop on Malcolm X Boulevard in Bedford-Stuyvesant around 4 a.m. on Monday. According to the police, a man walked past them without any interaction. Moments later, as the couple began walking, the man kicked over several mopeds on the sidewalk before turning to Carson and confronting him with the words, “What are you looking at?”
NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny stated in an earlier briefing that Carson immediately attempted to de-escalate the situation. However, the suspect drew out a knife and attacked Carson, who tripped and fell to the ground. The assailant proceeded to stab him multiple times, ultimately piercing his heart. In a shocking display of callousness, the suspect kicked Carson in the chest, threatened to harm his female companion, and even spat in her face.
Investigators have determined that the suspect did not have any prior acquaintance with Carson or his girlfriend. Following the attack, a woman who was accompanying the suspect approached the couple, apologized, and identified the suspect as Brian. Police located Dowling’s residence nearby and recovered potential evidence, including a weapon and clothing.
Ryan Carson was widely recognized as a vocal advocate within the community, focusing on issues related to opioid overdoses. Over the past decade, he had worked at the New York Public Interest Research Group, with his recent endeavors centered around recycling and solid waste management. Previously, Carson had been an advocate for safe injection facilities.
Residents of Bed-Stuy, such as Gloria Reyes, who knew Carson, spoke highly of his commitment to the community, stating, “He was just all over the place, trying to prevent drugs, just trying to keep the community afloat.” Tributes in his honor have flooded in through candlelight vigils and social media posts. Mayor Eric Adams acknowledged Carson’s dedication, remarking that he had turned his passion into purpose, while Senator Chuck Schumer described him as an extraordinary activist and a rising talent.
Judith Enck, president of Beyond Plastics, recalled Carson’s warmth and charisma in her heartfelt tribute, saying, “Whenever you work with Ryan on an issue, as a colleague, you quickly become a friend because he was such a warm, endearing and fun guy to be around.”
A vigil was held at the crime scene on Monday night, where loved ones gathered, just steps away from the home Carson shared with his roommates.
CBS New York will continue to provide updates on this developing story.
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Elijah Westbrook, an Emmy Award-winning journalist, joined CBS2 News and CBS News New York in January 2022.