Teen Girl Charged in Fatal Stabbing of Uber Driver

On Tuesday, Illinois officials responded to a call about a man screaming for help after being brutally attacked moments prior. The man, who has police identified as 34-year-old Uber driver Grant Nelson, was taken to a local hospital where he later died from his injuries. Fortunately, he was able to provide a description of his attacker, which led to the arrest of 16-year-old Eliza Wasni.

In the incident, which occurred around 3 a.m., Wasni climbed into the backseat of Nelson’s car, just after stealing two weapons from Walmart. As the two drove through the Illinois suburb, Wasni began to “hack at him” from the back seat of the Uber.

Nelson pulled over and managed to call for help.  Wasni jumped in the front seat of his vehicle and drove away. Shortly after, the 16-year-old hit a median and continued to flee on foot.
When police arrived, they found a trail of blood leading to Nelson’s body. He was able to provide a detailed description of the girl before he was transported to a hospital, where he died. Moments later, authorities found Wasni hiding behind an air conditioner, holding a machete and a knife, both of which she used in the fatal stabbing. She was then tased and taken into custody.

On Wednesday, Wasni was charged as an adult with first-degree murder and denied bond.
A spokesperson for the car service company released a statement, addressing the loss of one of their partners.

“We are heartbroken by the loss of one of our partners, Grant Nelson,” the spokesperson said. “Our deepest sympathies and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” she continued, adding that the company is working with police and providing information that could be relevant to the investigation.

According to reports, the incident was the first homicide in Lincolnwood since 2006