A 62-year-old Texas engineer was fatally stabbed while sitting on a park bench in Round Rock, shortly after visiting his elderly mother at a nearby nursing home. Authorities have arrested a suspect in connection with the shocking killing, which investigators believe may have been a random attack.
Man Attacked Minutes After Sitting on Park Bench
Andrew James Wimsatt was found dead at Chandler Creek Park shortly after 11 a.m. on Monday, September 7, authorities said. Investigators believe he was attacked from behind just minutes after taking a seat on a park bench.
According to information in the arrest affidavit, Wimsatt was stabbed multiple times. He reportedly attempted to defend himself but was unable to stop the assault.
The suspect allegedly continued the attack before wiping blood from his hands on his shirt and leaving the area. Surveillance footage maintained by the Chandler Creek Homeowners Association reportedly captured the incident.
Authorities said Wimsatt had visited his elderly mother at a nearby nursing home before the fatal stabbing.
Police Arrest Suspect in Connection With Killing
Benedict Ogbodiegwu Jr. was taken into custody and charged with murder, according to the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators believe the victim and suspect did not know each other. Preliminary evidence indicates the attack may have been random, although the investigation remains ongoing.
Police reportedly found a 5½-inch knife with blood on it during a search of Ogbodiegwu’s home, which is located about a mile from the park.
Investigators also reviewed surveillance footage from the area. A neighbor’s camera allegedly showed Ogbodiegwu leaving his home at 10:22 a.m. and returning at 11:05 a.m. Authorities later tracked him to the residence.
Surveillance Footage and Suspect’s Statements
Following the attack, investigators determined that Ogbodiegwu went to a nearby McDonald’s restaurant. Surveillance footage reportedly showed him there at 1:54 p.m. before he got into his vehicle and drove away.
When police spoke with Ogbodiegwu and showed him a photograph taken at the park, he allegedly acknowledged that he was the person pictured. However, he denied visiting the park on the day of the killing.
According to the arrest affidavit, he claimed to have a twin brother but could not provide the alleged twin’s name when questioned.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Wimsatt’s death continues.
Friends Remember Texas Engineer as Someone Who Helped Others
The killing has drawn attention because of the victim’s reported character and his connection to television personality Greg Gutfeld.
Gutfeld, who said Wimsatt was a fan of his show, described the crime as deeply shocking. He also spoke about Wimsatt’s willingness to help people and his genuine enthusiasm for causes and things he believed in.
The case remains pending, and the allegations against Ogbodiegwu have not been proven in court. A murder charge is an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
