In case TLO is your only source for local info, we have some tragic news to share.
Last night, Oklahoma Labor Commissioner Mark Costello was murdered at the Braum's near Hefner and May. He was 59.
The "alleged" attacker was his 26-year-old estranged son, Christian Costello.
Here are the details via NewsOK.com:
State Labor Commissioner Mark Costello was stabbed to death Sunday night at a northwest Oklahoma City restaurant in what sources say was an attempted reconciliation gone bad with his son.
Costello’s son, Christian Costello, 26, was taken into police custody and was being questioned by detectives late Sunday. Police confirmed Christian was the son of Mark Costello, who also had two other sons and two daughters.
Sources told The Oklahoman that Christian requested the meeting at the restaurant with Mark Costello and his wife, Cathy.
Lt. Alex Edwards said the stabbing took place shortly after 6:30 p.m. at the Braum’s at 11224 N May Ave. Police were told by witnesses the two men got into a heated argument that escalated into violence as the killer stabbed the victim with a knife.
“He made his way around the Braum’s seeking help,” Edwards said. “He then went outside to the south of the restaurant and was confronted again.”
Mark Costello was stabbed again in the parking lot, and police say it was at this time others at the restaurant restrained the killer while awaiting for police to arrive. Witnesses reported the killer remained agitated and tried to go after the victim again. One of the customers punched the killer to stop the attack.
Police arrived within four minutes and found Mark Costello dying in a car in the parking lot. They attempted CPR and wound compression, but Costello was pronounced dead upon arrival at OU Medical Center. Police reported Costello was stabbed multiple times in the neck and head.
As you know, we like to make light of things, be snarky, try to get a laugh with local news stories, etc., but there's nothing to joke about here. This is just hideous, awful news. Our condolences go out to the entire Costello family.
Sadly, this isn't the first run in with the law for Christian Costello. Back in October, he was arrested near The Village for exposing himself to a woman. When the police caught him, he was eating grass, feathers and other weeds.
Via News 9:
An Oklahoma City man was arrested after being accused of exposing himself to people at St. Eugene's School in The Village.
A woman told police 26-year-old Christian Costello was walking around the school Friday afternoon around 4 p.m.
The woman said she saw him with his pants down in front of a school window. He then reportedly turned to face her with his genitals exposed.
Officers with The Village Police Department said when they found Costello, he was chewing on bird feathers, dandelions and other weeds.
Hey Oklahoma elected officials and people who protested outside the Planned Parenthood clinic over the weekend: We have a well-documented mental health crisis in this state. Maybe it's time you start focusing on other "Pro Life" issues like getting help and treatment for the sick people who need it. Perhaps then we wouldn't have so many stories like this to report.
Anyway, I didn't know Mark personally, but Ogle Moles on both sides of the political spectrum say he was a good guy and a fair, dedicated public servant. In fact, he's one of the few Republicans in this state I actually voted for. I blame that slightly annoying, insanely catchy radio commercial he aired non-stop on The Sports Animal during election season.
Once again, our thoughts go out to his family, friends and colleagues. RIP.
