Teen indicted on murder charge for July 4 Metro stabbing of American University graduate

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Prosecutors say a teenager has been formally charged with fatally stabbing a man on a Metro train on July 4 of last year.

Prosecutors said Wednesday that 19-year-old Jasper Spires has been indicted on murder and other charges, including the robberies of two other passengers and an assault on a fourth victim. A grand jury indicted Spires on Tuesday. He faces a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted.

Prosecutors say Spires attempted to rob 24-year-old Kevin Sutherland on a red line train approaching the NoMa-Gallaudet University station and repeatedly and fatally stabbed him.

An attorney listed online as representing Spires did not immediately return a telephone message requesting comment Wednesday afternoon. Spires is due back in court on Friday.