Local News

Man charged with murder in 2008 stabbing of Worcester college student

Marquis Brown, 40, was indicted on one count of murder in the death of 19-year-old William Smith, prosecutors announced.

June 18, 2025

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A 40-year-old Worcester man has been charged in connection with the 2008 fatal stabbing of a Becker College student, authorities announced Wednesday.

Marquis Brown was indicted on one count of murder in the death of 19-year-old William Smith, the Worcester County District Attorney’s office said in a statement. Brown was arrested on the charge Tuesday and arraigned Wednesday in Worcester Superior Court, where he pleaded not guilty.

One other person has been indicted in connection with Smith’s death. Steven Black, 39, of Worcester was arraigned on one count of perjury on June 6 and released on $5,000 cash bail with a GPS monitoring device and conditions of release, the DA’s office said.

Authorities said police responded to a report of a large fight on Sept. 21, 2008, in the area of 101 Highland St. in Worcester. At the scene, they found a large crowd with several fights happening.

The DA’s office said an officer approaching North Ashland Street and Dix Street saw a person carrying Smith, who was suffering from a stab wound to the chest. Smith was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Brown was held without bail after his arraignment Wednesday. An attorney for the 40-year-old did not immediately respond to a request for comment. He is set to return to court on July 21.

The DA’s office is asking anyone with information about the case to contact detectives at (508) 799-8651, by sending an anonymous text to 274637 TIPWPD, or by submitting information online at worcesterma.gov/police.