Funeral Held For Student Slain At The University Of Maryland
BALTIMORE (WJZ/AP) - A student whose fatal stabbing in Maryland is being investigated as a possible hate crime was remembered at his funeral as fun and sometimes mischievous, a person whom friends called on when they needed help.
A funeral for Richard Collins III was held Friday in Upper Marlboro. During the service a family member described the Bowie State University student as a gentleman.
The family pastor says the parents are still trying to deal with the new normal after the loss of their son.
"We have to stop this hate and love one another. Innocent blood is being shed for no reason. Absolutely no reason at all," says Darryl Godlock, Collins' family pastor.
Bowie State vice president of student affairs referenced what may be Collin's last known word -- no. When his attacker demanded he move to the left before plunging a knife into his chest.
"When he said no, he said, this war is not going to be won, that I'm going to lose. No more hate, please," Artie Travis says.
Collins was set to graduate this week and had just been commissioned as an Army lieutenant. On Friday his casket was adorned with red, white and blue flowers.
Collin's pastor is says he is also praying for the family of the suspect as they try to heal.
Police say Collins, who was black, was fatally stabbed by Sean Urbanski, who had social media ties to a racist group, while visiting the University of Maryland. Urbanski, who is white, is charged with murder and assault. The FBI is investigating the stabbing as a possible hate crime.
University of Maryland College Park president announced a new task force and rapid response team, part of several steps they're trying to take to combat hate on campus.
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