Newark teen with ‘desire for notoriety’ livestreamed murder attempt on Discord, investigators say

(KRON) — A Newark teenager was seeking notoriety when he livestreamed himself on Discord and attempted to murder a man whom he had never met, according to police and prosecutors.

Luis Ricardo McLaughlin Jr., 18, livestreamed a brutal murder attempt outside a restaurant on Thornton Avenue in Newark, the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office said. The teen allegedly stabbed the victim several times in the back on the night of August 19, according to investigators.

Leading up to the attack, the victim had been cleaning kitchen equipment behind the restaurant. He was transported to a local trauma center to be treated for life-threatening injuries.

“The victim of the attack appears to have had no prior relationship with Mr. McLaughlin. The attack was broadcast live on Mr. McLaughlin’s social media, Discord,” the DA’s office wrote.

Discord is a popular chatting app used by video gamers to communicate online.

“While no connection has been established between the victim and Mclaughlin Jr., the investigation indicates the incident was motivated by a desire for notoriety,” the Newark Police Department wrote.

A Newark Police Department SWAT Team served a search warrant in the 5000 block of Civic Terrace Avenue and took McLaughlin into custody five days after the Discord livestream attack.

On Tuesday, prosecutors announced that McLaughlin is charged with premeditated attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and mayhem.

McLaughlin is scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday morning at the East County Hall of Justice courthouse in Dublin. The victim is expected to survive his injuries.