Andrew James Wimsatt, a 62-year-old civil engineer from Texas, has been identified as the man who was fatally stabbed in Round Rock on September 7, during the Labor Day holiday. Police have arrested Benedict Ogbodiegwu in connection with the killing and charged him with murder.
According to preliminary findings, Wimsatt and Ogbodiegwu did not know each other. Authorities are investigating the incident as a seemingly random attack. Wimsatt was reportedly sitting at Chandler Creek Park when Ogbodiegwu allegedly approached him from behind and stabbed him in the neck.
The killing has triggered an outpouring of grief from people who knew Wimsatt, as well as several public figures who had interacted with him online and in person.
Wimsatt was described by friends and acquaintances as a gentle, generous and deeply kind person. Journalist Matt Welch remembered him as a devoted supporter of the We The Fifth podcast and other commentators. Libertarian columnist Kat Timpf also paid tribute to Wimsatt, recalling that he had travelled from Austin to Fort Worth in June to attend her return to the stage following the death of her father.
Fox News host Greg Gutfeld also mourned Wimsatt, describing him as one of the sweetest and most helpful people he had known. He expressed shock that Wimsatt was killed in the middle of the day in what appeared to be an unprovoked attack.
Beyond his professional career, Wimsatt had a wide range of interests. His social media profiles showed a strong passion for indie rock and metal music. He followed several bands and was also a fan of The Fifth Column podcast.
Wimsatt was involved in music himself. According to his Instagram account, he had released an album of instrumental music featuring compositions created over several decades. He also appeared to enjoy nature photography, with several of his social media posts featuring outdoor scenes.
His online posts in the days before his death reflected his interests in music and sports. Friends and followers have since gathered on his social media accounts to share condolences and remember his personality.
Wimsatt was the son of James Wimsatt, a former professor emeritus at the University of Texas at Austin who died in 2023. Family records indicate that Andrew had a brother and a sister.
As the investigation continues, Wimsatt’s friends and acquaintances have been left mourning a man they remembered for his kindness, creativity and willingness to help others.
Reader Comments 0