Metro murder suspect stabbed victim in the heart, court documents say

A 24-year-old man was stabbed to death in front of witnesses on a Metro train during an apparent robbery, according to court documents.

The Fourth of July attack happened near the NoMa-Gallaudet Metro station just before 1 p.m.

Court documents detail the horrific struggle that resulted in the death of Kevin Sutherland.

Jasper Spires, 18, was arrested Monday and charged with first-degree murder while armed.

According to witness accounts, the struggle began when the suspect reached for the victim's phone. The suspect then punched the victim until he fell to the floor. As the victim cried for help, the suspect stabbed or cut him 30 to 40 times, including in the heart.

Witnesses say the suspect robbed two people, a man and a woman, before exiting the train.

The suspect then dropped a book bag and camouflage pants as he jumped the turnstile, according to another witness, who is a Metro employee. Police say they found a health insurance card with the name Jasper Spires in the bag.

A small knife was later found in a trash can during a search of the NoMa-Gallaudet Metro station, according to court documents.

Police also reviewed surveillance video from the NoMa-Gallaudet Metro station as well as the Rhode Island Avenue station, which is where the suspect and the victim both entered.

A police officer who arrested Spires for a separate robbery and assault incident last Thursday in Northwest D.C. identified Spires as the suspect through video from the Rhode Island Avenue station.

The officer said he had at least two previous contacts with Spires. He said the suspect acted as if he was under the influence and would talk to himself during those encounters.

Spires was ordered held without bond after a court appearance Tuesday afternoon.