Los Angeles, CA — A Los Angeles man has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the brutal stabbing death of a 67-year-old grandmother on a Metro train, a crime that shocked commuters and renewed concerns about safety on public transit.
Jury Convicts Man of First-Degree Murder
Elliot Tramel Nowden, 47, was found guilty by a jury of first-degree murder in the death of Mirna Soza Arauz, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. Prosecutors confirmed that the jury also found true the special circumstance allegation that the murder occurred during the commission of a robbery.
On December 12, 2025, Nowden was formally sentenced to life in prison without parole.
What Happened on the Metro Train
The deadly attack occurred in the early morning hours of April 22, 2024. Soza Arauz was riding a Metro B Line train home around 5 a.m. after completing an overnight shift as a security guard at a restaurant.
Prosecutors said Nowden suddenly approached her and attacked without warning, stabbing her in the throat with two small kitchen knives. Authorities described the assault as “unprovoked”, noting that the victim and suspect did not know each other.
Despite suffering severe injuries, Soza Arauz exited the train at the Universal City B Line Station. She was bleeding heavily when station security rushed to assist her.
Suspect Flees, Then Is Arrested
After exiting the train, Nowden stole the woman’s bag and fled the scene. Using surveillance footage, police located and arrested him a short time later near Ventura Boulevard and Vineland Avenue.
Soza Arauz was transported to a nearby hospital, where she later died from her injuries.
Investigators confirmed that Nowden acted alone and that the attack was random.
A History of Violence on Public Transit
LAPD investigators revealed that Nowden was homeless at the time of the attack and had a long history of violent offenses on public transportation. In 2019, he was convicted of stabbing a University of Southern California student on the Expo Line and was sentenced to four years in prison.
As part of that case, Nowden was banned from riding Metro trains. However, authorities said he continued to frequent public transit after his release. Police also confirmed he had been arrested multiple times in 2024, including a February arrest for assault at a Red Line station.
During the trial, Nowden admitted he had been homeless for years and used methamphetamine nearly every day, according to court testimony.
Prosecutors Emphasize Public Safety
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman addressed the sentencing, stating, “Commuters should feel safe when they ride our public transit, but sadly, a life was needlessly taken when a man brutally stabbed and robbed a woman who was simply trying to get home after working an overnight shift.”
He added that the sentence ensures the defendant “cannot hurt anyone else.”
Remembering the Victim
Mirna Soza Arauz is survived by her three children and seven grandchildren. Family members said she had been saving money with hopes of returning to Nicaragua to reunite with loved ones, a plan she was just a year or two away from achieving.
Conclusion
The life sentence brings legal closure to a tragic and senseless crime that has left a family grieving and raised urgent questions about safety on Los Angeles public transit. Officials say the verdict sends a strong message about accountability for violent crimes committed against vulnerable commuters.
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