WASHINGTON — The life of Richard Collins III was cut short just days before his graduation from Bowie State University last year. Collins was visiting friends on the University of Maryland’s College Park campus when he was stabbed to death at a bus stop on the campus in the early morning hours of May 20, 2017.
Sean Urbanski, 23, has been charged with Collins’ murder. He is also facing a hate crime charge.
In a statement marking the anniversary, Maryland Congressman Steny Hoyer says, “[Collins] was a student with immense potential, and his memory lives on with all those who knew him. As we remember Richie, we must recommit ourselves to ending the spread of hatred and intolerance in our communities. I extend my deepest sympathies to Richie’s family and friends on this sad day.”
Prosecutors believe race was a factor in the attack. Collins was black and Urbanski is white.
After Urbanski’s arrest, campus police said he belonged to a racist Facebook group.
Urbanski’s lawyers want a judge to bar prosecutors from presenting highly offensive images and other info linking him to that group.
Urbanski’s trial is scheduled to start in July.
