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John Lee Cowell was sentenced Friday to two consecutive life sentences for the murder of 18-year-old Nia Wilson and the attempted murder of her sister Letifah Wilson at the MacArthur BART station in 2018.
Judge Allan Hymer imposed the sentences Friday morning after hearing an impact statement by Letifah Wilson, Nia and Latifa’s mother Alicia Grayson and others in a virtual hearing.
Letifah Wilson said Cowell has shown no remorse for his actions. "You are inhuman," she said, yet she forgives him for what he did. "I have to.”
The sisters were getting off of a train at the MacArthur station when Cowell attacked them with a knife.
Cowell's parents say he has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia and believe his mental illness contributed to the unprovoked attack, but Wilson’s family say the attack was racially motivated. Judge Hymer issued a "directed verdict" ruling that Cowell was sane at the time of the murder.
A jury found Cowell guilty of murder and attempted murder in March. Cowell’s attorney said she plans to file an appeal.