Accused stabber Nisean Graves pleads not guilty to murder in rush hour rampage

Accused stabber Nisean Graves pleaded not guilty to murder for a gruesome, fatal broad daylight stabbing at a brief arraignment Friday, where prosecutors said they have a “strong case” against him in an “unprovoked” confrontation.

Graves, 34, appeared in court shortly before noon wearing a gray jumpsuit over a white t-shirt to enter his plea on one count of second-degree murder in the bloody June 9 rampage. 

He was surrounded by three New York State Courts officers for the duration of the six-minute proceeding.

Graves – who is homeless – was arrested and charged just a few hours after he allegedly knifed Antonio Eggleston, 36, in the chest during a disturbing broad daylight brawl — and gave cops several different names.

During the arraignment, Assistant District Attorney Adam Birnbaum told Judge Felicia Mennin the state has ample evidence against Graves.

“Video shows [Graves] approached the victim [in the middle of the street on West 30th Street and Seventh Avenue] and took an unprovoked swing at him,” Birnbaum said of the incident, which was also witnessed by several seemingly unfazed passersby.

“The defendant and victim proceeded to fight back and forth for several minutes,” he recounted. 

“During the fight the defendant took out a knife and swung several times at the victim while holding a knife…The victim never had a weapon.”

Graves stabbed Eggleston in the chest after the victim tried to land a kick, the prosecutor alleged. 

“The defendant walked away when the victim collapsed to the ground while holding his chest with both hands,” Birnbaum said.

“The defendant stopped a little down the block, covered in blood, and had a bloody knife in his pocket.”

Eggleston, who was wanted for murder in his Maryland home city of Baltimore, was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

At the time of his arrest, Graves repeatedly gave police different names, the DA added.

At his court arraignment, the suspect appeared uneasy, his shoulder twitching repeatedly. He was also seen rolling his eyes, yawning, pursing his lips and frowning in concentration while wriggling his handcuffed wrists.

Graves’ defense attorney, Joshua Benjamin from Legal Aid, reserved his argument at the hearing. 

Judge Mennin remanded the suspect back into custody. But before he was led out of court, Graves turned to Benjamin and said softly, “I’m good.”

Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg issued a statement on Graves’ indictment shortly after the proceedings.

“As alleged, Nisean Graves initiated the stabbing of a stranger that ended in a life being taken far too soon,” Bragg said.

“In addition, this public display of violence at a busy intersection threatened the safety of the many other New Yorkers passing by. Although we cannot undo this murder, our dedicated prosecutors will work hard to ensure there is appropriate justice for this alleged attack.”