Black man Gary Edwards approached white victim Gregory Howard with fixed-blade knife in hand. Edwards admitted stabbing Howard in shoulder during scuffle. Jury acquitted Edwards after learning Howard shouted n-word post-stabbing. Edwards homeless with prior stabbing conviction and assault history. Victim Howard had felony child rape conviction and sensed aggression from stranger. Defense claimed racism explained Howard's animosity toward black stranger. Prosecutor argued Edwards created situation by sauntering up armed and not retreating. Edwards held 3 months pre-trial due to criminal record. Security footage showed no audio of pre-stab slur. Howard pushed Edwards first after he approached to trade knife. Transit officers heard n-word from stabbed Howard. Edwards lawyer said case never should have gone to trial.