The Sacramento County District Attorney's Office announced that no charges will be filed against a Sacramento Regional Transit employee in connection with the fatal stabbing of 16-year-old Michael Ray Berry at a Rancho Cordova light rail station. "Based on the totality of the facts and circumstances, there is insufficient evidence to file charges and sustain a conviction on the guilt beyond a reasonable doubt standard. Therefore, we declined to file charges," the DA's office stated, as reported by KCRA.
The incident began when Berry and a female companion were told to stop vaping on a bus by the RT ambassador, which led to a confrontation after they exited the vehicle. During the altercation, the employee used a knife, resulting in Berry's death, despite RT policy prohibiting employees from carrying knives or firearms.
Michael Berry died from a stab wound. His family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the city of Sacramento and Sacramento Regional Transit, alleging neglect in passenger safety. A Regional Transit spokesperson declined to comment on whether the employee involved has returned to work because of the ongoing case. Berry was remembered by his cousin, Heaven Billups, as "bright, funny and loving," and a crowdfunding effort has been set up to support the family. The district attorney’s office said there was "insufficient evidence," as mentioned by Sacramento Bee.
