Jawine Evans Laid To Rest, Day After Fellow Lincoln University Student's Sister Charged With Murder
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Loved ones said goodbye to Jawine Evans Friday, more than a week after authorities say the sister of a fellow Lincoln University student stabbed and killed him during a fight. A viewing for Evans, 21, started at 8 a.m. Friday at The Met on North Broad Street.
At 11 a.m., a celebration of life took place before his internment. It was a tremendously sad occasion but a beautiful display of love and compassion.
Jawine Evans was killed last Wednesday when a scuffle broke out in the living and learning center dorm at Lincoln University.
The 21-year-old was stabbed in the neck by defendant 39-year-old Nydira Smith who law enforcement officials say drove an hour and a half from Northwest Philly with the intent to kill. Authorities said Smith, who was concerned that some of her brother's possessions were stolen, drove to campus with a knife. She arrived shortly before the incident happened.
It doesn't appear Evans was the intended target, but he along with two other students were stabbed.
The popular basketball star was a senior getting ready to graduate this summer. For now, friends, family, and loved ones came out Friday to honor his legacy.
"As soon as our mom let us off the porch, we were playing together," Jonathan Cancel, of North Philadelphia, said, "From 3- to 4-years-old, we played basketball across the street. That's all we ever did, was play sports."
Keisha W. of North Philadelphia told CBS3, "That's just sad, such a good kid. Off to college, ready to graduate. It's unacceptable."
In a family statement released by their lawyer, Evans' mother says in part: "We thought he would be safe on the campus of Lincoln University, and we're stunned at the lax university security."
Smith remains in jail with no bail. A preliminary hearing is set for March 8.
Evans will be buried at West Laurel Hill in Bala Cynwyd
CBS3's Alecia Reid contributed to this report.