Suspect arrested in deadly Ybor nightclub stabbing

Tampa police have made an arrest in the deadly stabbing of a former University of South Florida football player.

Elkino Watson, 23, was killed outside the Orpheum Nightclub on East 7th Avenue in Ybor City early Sunday morning.

On Wednesday, 23-year-old Randolph Graham turned himself in to police, accompanied by his lawyer.

According to witnesses, Watson and a group of friends were at the club for an unofficial after-party for the USF football game.

As bouncers began to clear the room, witnesses say a fight broke out at the entrance and a large brawl spilled into the streets.

Watson, who was a standout defensive lineman for the Bulls in 2014, was stabbed in a parking lot behind the club. His friend, Desmond Horne, was also stabbed but is expected to survive.

According to police, as patrons exited the bar, Watson and Graham got into a fight. Witnesses say Graham pulled out a knife and attempted to stab Watson. Watson’s friend, Horne, was fighting with another patron. Police say Watson tried to pull the two apart when he was stabbed several times.

Detectives looked at video from witnesses at the scene and began identifying individuals involved in the fight.  Ultimately, the investigation led to Graham.

Graham is charged with second-degree murder with a weapon and attempted murder with a weapon.