NEWARK, Calif. – A chilling case in Newark has led to the arrest of an 18-year-old man accused of stabbing a complete stranger in a random attack, which he then livestreamed on Discord in what police believe was an attempt to gain social media attention.
Incident and Immediate Arrest
Luis McLaughlin Jr. was taken into custody on Sunday, several days after the violent assault that took place on August 19. The stabbing occurred at a shopping center on Thornton Avenue, where McLaughlin allegedly approached a man from behind and stabbed him multiple times without provocation.
Attack Caught on Video and Confession
Authorities say McLaughlin confessed to stabbing the first person he saw—a man who was working behind an Afghan restaurant, cleaning kitchen equipment. The victim, who suffered life-threatening wounds, was stabbed in the shoulder and lung, causing a punctured lung, according to the restaurant’s CEO. He is expected to survive.
The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that McLaughlin had no prior connection to the victim. In his confession, he admitted to livestreaming the stabbing on Discord, and investigators later discovered he also uploaded the video to his social media accounts.
Evidence Recovered in Neighborhood
Two days after the incident, a local resident contacted police about a black-and-white Puma backpack found in their backyard. Investigators determined the backpack matched one seen in surveillance footage of the suspect and contained dried blood.
In the same area, detectives recovered a sweatshirt worn by McLaughlin during the attack and a knife sheath, which further linked him to the crime scene.
Charges and Detention
McLaughlin was arrested at his Newark residence and booked into Santa Rita Jail, where he remains in custody. As per KTVU, he has been charged with:
- Premeditated attempted murder
- Assault with a deadly weapon
- Mayhem
Authorities also confirmed that McLaughlin wrote an apology letter following the incident, though details of its content have not been made public.
Online Violence and Public Safety
This case highlights the growing concern around individuals using social media platforms to broadcast violent acts. Law enforcement and mental health advocates warn that the pursuit of online attention through criminal acts poses a serious public safety risk, particularly when strangers are targeted at random.
What are your thoughts on the rising trend of livestreamed violence? Share your perspective in the comments below.
