Stabbing death investigated by police

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Mobile Police are investigating the stabbing death of Raymond Aikens.

Police said he died from his injuries at USA Medical Center Thursday, November 1 after a stabbing that happened Halloween night in the 2700 block of First Avenue.

Family members said Aikens’ grandson found him in the driveway of a home and brought him to the hospital by private vehicle.

Aikens aunt, Mattie Akins Brice, talked about the stabbing Friday.

She said, "Something happened, and I wish they'd get him, whoever it was, because I don't understand.  It really hurt me because that was my nephew."

Brice said Aikens lived with her, and that his grandson found him stabbed in the front yard.

She also said, "Whoever did it to him, he had no business doing it.  I don't know, because it was at night.  He was giving candy to the children, and then they left about a half hour later.  I don't know what happened, but it upset me that something like that happened."

Mobile Police said Aikens was found with a stab wound to the stomach Halloween night.

Police also said they have identified the person who stabbed Aikens, and presented evidence to the district attorney.

Christopher Levy with the Mobile Police Department said, "It’s been decided that it will go in front of a grand jury, without making an immediate arrest."

There are three churches in the same block where the stabbing happened.

Ellis Harper is a deacon at one of the churches, the Arc of Safety Church.

Harper said, "This used to be a good community. The community has gone down because of drugs and alcohol."

He said church members will give out flyers around the neighborhood this weekend trying to influence hearts and souls.

Harper said, "It’s sad.  It really is.  There's just no word for it.  But, the only thing that's going to change it is if they get God in their life."