MARTA Murder Suspect Has Criminal History

The man accused of killing a well-respected chess champion at a metro Atlanta MARTA station waived his first court appearance Friday.

Broderick Smith, 20, of Atlanta, is charged with felony murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm.

His next hearing is scheduled for Friday, April 2.

According to the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, Smith also has a lengthy criminal record dating back to 2006, with charges ranging from theft by receiving stolen property to reckless conduct.

MARTA officials arrested Smith Thursday evening in connection with the shooting death of Anthony Beavers, 19, of Jonesboro.

Authorities said Beavers may have been gunned down over a cell phone.

"There is no question in my mind that Mr. Smith is the shooter," said MARTA Police Chief Wanda Dunham.

Channel 2 Action News reporter Ryan Young spoke exclusively with the accused killer's grandmother. Young was the only reporter to track her down and get reaction about Smith's arrest from his family.

Anthony Beavers Image Marta Shooting victim Anthony Beavers Anthony Beavers

She told Young that she couldn't believe when MARTA police showed up at her doorstep with guns.

"They said get down. I said 'get down for what?'" said Smith's grandmother. "I didn't know what had happened," she said. Smith was taken into custody at the house.

The shooting happened shortly before 11 p.m. Wednesday at the East Point MARTA station on the southbound platform, authorities said.

Beavers was a graduate of Jonesboro High School and is remembered as a brilliant chess champion.

SLIDESHOW: MARTA Station Shooting Crime Scene | WATCH: MARTA Murder Suspect's Family Speaks

Beavers' parents told Channel 2 Action News reporter Tom Jones that Smith tried to take their son's new touchscreen phone. They said Beavers wouldn't give up the phone, a struggle took place, and then gunfire erupted.

"If he knew the person was armed I think he would have gave it up," said Michelle Nichols, Beavers mother.

RAW VIDEO: MARTA Suspect Taken Into Custody | Murder Arrest Press Conference

MARTA Assistant Police Chief Joseph Dorsey said there hasn't been an incident of this extent at a MARTA station in four years.

A MARTA representative told Channel 2 Action News reporter Darren Lyn that a MARTA police officer was on duty at the East Point Station, but not at the location where the shooting happened.

Cara Hodgson, a MARTA spokesperson, said train service was interrupted at that station for more than two hours and buses were used to transport passengers between stations.