Posted on: May 31, 2024, 09:54h.
Last updated on: May 31, 2024, 09:54h.
A former mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter entered a guilty plea on Thursday for a 2022 fatal knifing at Atlantic City’s Ocean Casino Resort.
Andrew Osborne, 35, of Philadelphia, admitted to a charge of first-degree aggravated manslaughter.
When sentenced on August 22, he could face 25 years behind bars, according to the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office.
Neck, Head Wounds
The victim was Brian Wilkinson, 47, of Egg Harbor Township, N.J. He was stabbed in the neck and head while the two men were in a guest room at the Boardwalk hotel.
Following the September 23, 2022 attack, Osborne changed into the victim’s shoes and pants.
Then, about a half hour later, Osborne and his wife got into a silver Hyundai Accent hatchback and returned to Philadelphia.
An autopsy confirmed the cause and manner of Wilkinson’s death.
Police began to review evidence and searched for possible witnesses.
Wilkinson’s naked, lifeless body was found on the floor of the hotel room, hours after he was stabbed. A t-shirt and underwear were found near the body, according to BreakingAC.com, a local news site.
Osborne was arrested three days after the killing for first-degree murder and third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. He was extradited to New Jersey to stand trial for the killing.
In December 2022, Osborne was indicted. He’s been incarcerated at the Atlantic County Justice Facility.
In prior media reports, the reason for the deadly attack was unclear.
MMA Fighter
Not much is known about Osborne. In 2017, Osborne quit working as a pro MMA fighter, according to NJ1015.com, a New Jersey news outlet, citing information from ESPN.
His record was 7-11-1 over several years, Tapology, a MMA fan site, reported. One of his fights was aired on NBC Sports.
Wilkinson was a bookkeeper and previously worked for a construction company, according to NJ.com, another New Jersey news outlet.
Brian’s death was very tragic and sudden and [he] will be sadly missed by everyone that knew him,” an obituary published by the Press of Atlantic City, revealed.
One acquaintance, Heather L., posted on the obituary page, “Condolences to Brian’s family and friends. I went to school with Brian and he was truly a good person. He will be missed by many.”
