A 62-year-old Texas engineer was fatally stabbed from behind while sitting on a park bench in Round Rock, Texas, on Sept. 7, 2026. Williamson County deputies arrested 26-year-old Benedict Chinedu Ogbodiegwu on murder and theft charges after surveillance footage captured the attack. Authorities described the killing as a random assault and set the suspect’s bond at $1 million. The victim, Andrew James Wimsatt, was remembered by television personalities and friends as a kind, supportive man with a doctorate in civil engineering.
Investigators said the attack occurred minutes after Wimsatt visited his mother at a nearby nursing home and sat down in a local park. A witness later called 911 after finding him on the ground, and paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene. Deputies said they recovered surveillance evidence, bloody clothing and a suspected weapon while retracing the suspect’s movements.
Ogbodiegwu remains jailed while the case proceeds. His criminal history in Williamson County includes earlier theft-related allegations, a fake identification charge and a period of incarceration earlier in 2026.
Article Subheadings
| 1) | Attack at a Round Rock park |
| 2) | Surveillance evidence and arrest |
| 3) | Victim’s professional and creative life |
| 4) | Tributes from friends and entertainers |
| 5) | Suspect’s criminal record and court status |
Attack at a Round Rock park
Wimsatt, who lived in Austin, was killed at about 11 a.m. on Sept. 7 after visiting his mother at a nursing home near the park in Round Rock. According to an affidavit supporting probable cause, he had been sitting on a bench for only a few minutes when another man approached from behind.
Authorities allege that the man repeatedly stabbed Wimsatt in the neck with a knife. The victim struggled but could not stop the assault. The attacker allegedly wiped blood from himself with his shirt before leaving the area. A witness discovered Wimsatt on the ground and contacted emergency services, but medical personnel could not save him.
Surveillance evidence and arrest
The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office said surveillance video recorded the killing and helped investigators identify a suspect. Deputies retraced the person’s movements and said they located fingerprints and other evidence, including bloody clothing and the suspected murder weapon.
When confronted with the video, Ogbodiegwu allegedly claimed that a twin brother was responsible but could not provide the brother’s name. Deputies arrested him on Sept. 7 and booked him on murder and theft charges. He is being held on $1 million bond. The allegations have not been tested at trial.
Victim’s professional and creative life
Wimsatt was 62 and held a Ph.D. in civil engineering. He worked for the Texas A&M Transportation Institute and was known for an interest in wildlife, vintage storefronts and city landscapes, which he documented on social media.
He was also credited as an executive producer on the horror-comedy film Director’s Cut. His online activity and professional work brought him into contact with several television personalities, and he regularly shared clips and encouraging messages with members of a comedy program’s cast.
Tributes from friends and entertainers
Greg Gutfeld described Wimsatt as unusually positive and said he rarely posted an unkind word about anyone. Kat Timpf called him a fan who became a friend to her and her family. The two had lunch in Fort Worth in June, and Timpf said she expected to see him at a show in Nevada later in September.
“He was so kind and generous it almost seems impossible,” Timpf said, describing his regular encouragement and the television clips he sent her.
Timpf said they spoke at least weekly for years. Comedian Tyrus also remembered Wimsatt as a positive and caring man who looked after his mother, attended his performances and had a distinctive laugh.
“I was honored to know him,” Tyrus said, adding that Wimsatt’s support and enjoyment of his jokes meant a great deal to him.
Suspect’s criminal record and court status
Ogbodiegwu’s Williamson County record dates back at least to 2017, when he faced a theft charge. Authorities said he was arrested twice in 2026 before the homicide case, including on allegations involving theft and possession of false identification.
He was incarcerated from January through April and was most recently released from the county jail on June 9, before his arrest in Wimsatt’s death. His next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 8 at 1:30 p.m. for a pre-indictment docket call.
Key Points
| Number | Key point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Andrew James Wimsatt was killed on Sept. 7 while sitting on a park bench in Round Rock. |
| 2 | Benedict Chinedu Ogbodiegwu was arrested on murder and theft charges. |
| 3 | Investigators cited surveillance footage, fingerprints, clothing and a suspected weapon. |
| 4 | Wimsatt was a civil engineer, film producer and supportive friend to television personalities. |
| 5 | The suspect is held on $1 million bond and has a court hearing scheduled for Oct. 8. |
Summary
The killing of Andrew James Wimsatt has led to the arrest of Benedict Chinedu Ogbodiegwu following an investigation centered on surveillance footage and physical evidence. Wimsatt’s professional accomplishments and longstanding personal relationships have prompted public tributes, while the criminal case now moves toward its next court proceeding. Ogbodiegwu remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was killed in the Round Rock attack?
Andrew James Wimsatt, a 62-year-old Austin engineer with a Ph.D. in civil engineering, was killed while sitting on a park bench.
Who was arrested?
Williamson County deputies arrested 26-year-old Benedict Chinedu Ogbodiegwu on murder and theft charges. He is being held on $1 million bond.
What evidence did investigators cite?
Investigators cited surveillance video, fingerprints and other evidence, including bloody clothing and a suspected murder weapon.
When is the next court hearing?
Ogbodiegwu’s next court date is scheduled for Oct. 8 at 1:30 p.m. for a pre-indictment docket call.
