Andrew James Wimsatt, a 62-year-old civil engineer and dedicated online supporter of various Fox News personalities, was fatally stabbed in what authorities believe was a random attack in Round Rock, Texas, on Labor Day. Benedict Ogbodiegwu Jr., 26, has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with Wimsatt's death, an incident that has drawn tributes from media figures and renewed attention to the alleged perpetrator's past encounters with the criminal justice system.
"Andrew was a rare person: Genuinely kind just for the sake of it; it quite clearly never occurred to him to expect anything in return." Kat Timpf, Fox News Contributor
The violent assault occurred in broad daylight, shortly before 11 a.m., as Wimsatt sat near a park bench. Surveillance footage reportedly captured Ogbodiegwu Jr. approaching Wimsatt from behind and repeatedly stabbing him. Investigators stated that Wimsatt attempted to defend himself but was unable to escape the attack, which allegedly continued even after he fell to the ground. The assailant then fled the area, leaving Wimsatt with severe neck injuries. A woman discovered Wimsatt approximately 15 minutes later, around 11:15 a.m., and immediately contacted police.
Detectives quickly launched an investigation, utilizing surveillance footage from the vicinity to trace the suspected attacker. Footage from a nearby McDonald’s allegedly showed the suspect wearing different clothing before entering a red SUV registered to his family. When confronted with a still image from the surveillance footage, Ogbodiegwu Jr. reportedly acknowledged that the person shown was him, though he later denied having been at the park. He also allegedly claimed to have a twin brother but could not provide investigators with the twin’s name. Authorities subsequently recovered a trash bag near Ogbodiegwu Jr.'s home containing clothing that resembled what the suspect wore in the surveillance footage, along with a large knife. The blade tested presumptively positive for blood, according to investigators. Authorities have indicated that Wimsatt and Ogbodiegwu Jr. did not know one another, classifying the killing as a random act of violence.
Wimsatt was remembered as a highly accomplished individual. He earned three degrees from the University of Texas at Austin and had a distinguished career as a civil engineer. Beyond his professional achievements, he was widely known in online communities for his unwavering support of conservative commentators and Fox News personalities. He frequently created and shared clips of their television appearances, often without seeking compensation, to foster online engagement and preserve content. Before the tragic incident, Wimsatt had reportedly been visiting his mother at a nursing home, underscoring the sudden and senseless nature of his death.
News of Wimsatt's passing resonated deeply with several Fox News personalities, who had come to know him through his years of online interaction and support. Greg Gutfeld, a host on Fox News, paid tribute to Wimsatt, remembering him as "supremely gentle" and someone "willing to do just about anything for another person." Fox News contributor Tyrus, whose real name is George Timothy Murdoch, also offered his condolences, describing Wimsatt as "always positive" and possessing a "monster laugh." Kat Timpf, another Fox News contributor, similarly recalled Wimsatt for his exceptional generosity and kindness. "Andrew was a rare person: Genuinely kind just for the sake of it; it quite clearly never occurred to him to expect anything in return," Timpf stated, highlighting Wimsatt's selfless nature. He had reportedly created clips for Timpf’s online community and archived old television appearances for various media personalities without requesting payment.
The arrest of Benedict Ogbodiegwu Jr. has also brought renewed scrutiny to his prior interactions with the criminal justice system. Court records indicate he faced a felony theft charge in 2017 that was ultimately dismissed. He was arrested on another theft charge in January 2026, a case in which a court ordered a competency evaluation. He was later committed for restoration before that charge was also dismissed. In May of the same year, Ogbodiegwu Jr. was arrested again on an accusation of providing false identification to police, a charge that was also dismissed. He now faces a murder charge in connection with Wimsatt’s death, prompting discussions about the efficacy of the justice system in handling repeat offenders and ensuring public safety. For Gutfeld and others who knew Wimsatt, his death represents the profound loss of a consistently generous, positive, and helpful individual.
