Police searching for suspect who stabbed activist to death in Bed-Stuy

NEW YORK (PIX11) – Police on Thursday continued to search for a suspect after an activist was stabbed to death in Bed-Stuy on Monday.

The victim has been identified as 32-year-old Ryan Carson. The suspect in his death has been identified, and police are working on probable cause to bring him in, according to authorities.

Carson and his girlfriend were sitting on a bench near Lafayette Avenue and Malcolm X Boulevard shortly before 4 a.m. when the suspect walked by, kicked mopeds, and turned back to accuse Carson of looking at him, police said.

The suspect then lunged at the couple, according to authorities, and Carson put himself in front of his girlfriend. He was stabbed three times and died in the hospital, police said.

Police said they believe the suspect is emotionally disturbed and a woman at the scene referred to him as “Brian.”

Meanwhile, Carson’s roommates and co-workers remembered him as a passionate advocate for helping others.

“He completely dedicated his life to other people,” said one friend.

Carson worked for the New York Public Interest Group, which said in a statement, “Ryan was a beloved staffer, colleague and friend, and a creative, talented, relentless and upbeat advocate for students and the environment.”