Man Arrested In Coppin Nursing Student's Murder
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A promising Coppin State University student is murdered. Police say her friend stabbed her to death all because of some video games.
Weijia Jiang explains how police made the arrest.
Jhoma Blackwell, 18, was studying to become a nurse at Coppin State University. But last month, the freshman was murdered inside her parents' Remington rowhouse where she grew up.
Late Wednesday evening, police arrested Syron Abdullah, 20, for her murder. They say he stabbed her 32 times.
"He brutalized my daughter for no reason. He tortured her to death. And this is a peaceful child, and he took away a jewel from us for no reason," said the victim's mother.
For the first time since losing her youngest daughter, WJZ spoke with Blackwell's mother about the horrific details.
Just released charging documents reveal Abdullah admitted to stabbing Blackwell after a fight over a Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360 and several games.
Police tracked him down after they say he brought the items to a local pawn shop to sell.
"She could've been frightened and the video games still could've been taken," said the victim's mother. "Her life was not worth that, so I believe it's more of a personal issue as to why this predator did this to my daughter."
A woman who identifies herself as Blackwell's older sister posted a video on YouTube with a personal message to whomever was responsible.
"For you to think you can do such a horrific thing, and there's nothing wrong with it, the callousness of it, we pray for your soul to be set free," said the YouTube video.
Since Blackwell's death, students at Coppin State say there have been many vigils in her honor. They are relieved to hear about the arrest.
"I don't understand how you do that to someone, especially someone trying to get an education. She had so much of her life ahead of her," said Angela Sullivan, Coppin State sophomore.
Fellow Coppin nursing students join Blackwell's family and friends in the wait for justice.
"I hope he gets behind bars and never sees daylight again, never to do that to anybody again," said Hilda Cole, neighbor.
Court records reveal Abdullah has a long criminal history. In 2008, Abdullah was charged with rape, sodomy and assault. But his case went inactive, and he was never prosecuted.
Police say Abdullah was not Blackwell's boyfriend. He is scheduled to have a preliminary hearing next month.
