UMass Dartmouth Football Player Murder Suspect Overstayed Visa, Received Deferred Action Under Both Administrations

A Nigerian national accused in the stabbing death of a UMass Dartmouth football player had overstayed his tourist visa and received deferred action from both the Trump and Biden administrations, according to federal law enforcement sources.

Chukwunonso Uzoma David Uzoma Eze is charged with murder in connection with the death of Marvins Antoine, 19, during an altercation in Providence, Rhode Island. A second player, Kensley Macean, 19, sustained stab wounds to his head and neck during the incident and was hospitalized.

Eze reportedly first entered the United States on a B-2 tourist visa in 2015. Sources told Fox News that Eze received two extensions on his visa under the Obama administration. His authorized stay expired, but he remained in the country.

According to the sources, the Biden administration approved Eze’s request for deferred action in September 2022. He subsequently applied for deferred action again in February 2025, and his request was approved under the Trump administration on October 8, 2025.

Deferred action is a discretionary measure by the federal government that delays an individual's removal from the U.S. and does not confer lawful immigration status.

Records indicate Eze applied for employment authorization in August 2023, but that request was denied the following month. He reapplied for employment authorization in February 2025, citing his deferred action status, and that application is currently pending. The Department of Homeland Security stated that if Eze is convicted of murder, he will lose his deferred action status.

The stabbing occurred around 12:30 a.m. Saturday in the parking lot of Mezzo Lounge, following an altercation among individuals who had been inside the establishment. Antoine died from a stab wound to the chest, and Macean was treated for stab wounds to his head and neck. Eze was apprehended by UMass Dartmouth Police.