Andrew James Wimsatt, 62, was killed in what authorities are calling a random act of violence on Monday in Chandler Creek Park in Round Rock, Texas. Benedict Ogbodiegwu, 26, has been charged with murder in connection with the fatal stabbing.
Wimsatt was reportedly sitting on a park bench around 11 a.m. when Ogbodiegwu approached him and began a knife attack, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by the Austin American-Statesman. Surveillance footage showed Ogbodiegwu wrapping an arm around Wimsatt, who attempted to push him away. The affidavit states Ogbodiegwu then repeatedly stabbed Wimsatt before the victim fell to the ground, with the suspect continuing the assault. Ogbodiegwu allegedly placed a knee on Wimsatt's chest and cut his neck before fleeing the scene and wiping the knife on Wimsatt's shirt.
Investigators have stated that the attack was random and that Wimsatt and Ogbodiegwu did not know each other. The Williamson County Sheriff's Office initiated a manhunt for Ogbodiegwu, releasing images captured at a McDonald's shortly after the incident. He was apprehended hours later at an address in Round Rock, where authorities recovered a blade with a red substance on it. Ogbodiegwu is being held in Williamson County Jail with bail set at $1 million.
Court records indicate Ogbodiegwu has a history of legal entanglements, including arrests for theft in January, giving a fake name in May, and facing a felony theft charge in 2017, all of which were dismissed. Investigators have not released further details about the ongoing investigation.
At the time of his death, Wimsatt had been taking his mother, who suffers from Alzheimer's, for a walk. Friends have since paid tribute to Wimsatt, remembering him as a kind and generous individual. Fox host Greg Gutfeld described Wimsatt as a "sweetest most helpful person" and "supremely gentle," noting his willingness to help others without seeking anything in return. Gutfeld also mentioned Wimsatt's involvement in television tapings and live shows.
According to a friend, David Burge, Wimsatt was a civil engineer, a music enthusiast, and a long-time supporter of libertarian causes. The Williamson County Sheriff's Office extended its condolences to Wimsatt's family and loved ones.