Fatal Stabbing Victim At Lincoln University Was 'Caring'

LOWER OXFORD TWP. PA — The victim of a Lincoln University fatal stabbing wanted to give back to his community.

But 21-year-old Jawine Evans never got the chance.

Evans was fatally stabbed on campus on Feb. 16 in a brawl that broke out in a dormitory in Lower Oxford Township, Chester County.

On Thursday morning, Chester County District Attorney Deb Ryan said Evans was a senior due to graduate in May.

“He has been described as charming, intelligent and caring,” Ryan said in a press conference Thursday morning in the International Culture Center at Lincoln University.

The conference was held to announce the arrest of Nydira Smith, 39, of Philadelphia on first-degree murder and related charges.

Smith is also accused of injuring two other students, Clifton Walker, 22, and Eric Dickerson, also 22. They were treated and released from Christiana Hospital, Wilmington.

Evans died of stabbing injuries to his neck and arm, according to an autopsy. Police said Smith was treated for injuries at Chestnut Hill Hospital.

Photos of Smith and Evans were displayed at the press conference.

Smith is the sister of a Lincoln University student involved in the fight, according to authorities. Police have not disclosed the name of her brother.

Victim's parents react

The victim’s parents expressed thanks to Ryan, her assistant prosecutors and detectives, officers of the university police department, the Oxford Fire Company and EMS and paramedics.

“Investigators kept the family informed every step of the way demonstrating extreme professionalism and empathy even as Jawine’s loved ones grieve,” the parents said in a prepared statement provided by their attorney, Bruce L. Castor Jr. of van der Veen. Hartshorn and Levin, a Philadelphia-based law firm.

“My husband and I are devastated over the loss of our beloved son Jawine,” Jaween’s mother, Beverly Evans, said in the statement. “We thought he would be safe on the campus of Lincoln University, and never dreamed such a terrible thing could happen there. We’re stunned at the lax university security, but extremely grateful to Chester County law enforcement for catching Jawine’s (alleged) killer, and for DA Ryan’s comments showing she is taking a strong public stand to bring his (alleged) killer to justice.”

Charged with first-degree murder

First-degree murder is defined as a premeditated murder, and carries a sentence of life in prison.

An individual at the press conference asked Ryan if she would consider manslaughter charges, which are when a death occurs under severe provocation or accidentally.

Ryan responded “no” because the death was premeditated, noting Smith drove an hour and a half with a knife from her home in Mount Airy neighborhood in northwest Philadelphia to the university in Chester County.

How does a visitor get on campus?

Marc Partee, chief of Lincoln University police department, said that the university required guests to display identification before entering.

He said visitors who are related to the students are allowed on campus, according to university policy.

Partee said the university is conducting a comprehensive review of its security system.

“We will continue to be on the forefront of a collaborative effort to keep the university safe,” he said.

Partee said counseling services and animal therapy was available for students and staff.
The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Det. John DiBattista at 610-344-6866.