Posted on: May 31, 2024, 09:54h.
Last updated on: May 31, 2024, 11:26h.
A former mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter pleaded guilty on Thursday for a fatal 2022 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, NJ. He was stabbed in the neck and head while the two men were in a guest room at the Boardwalk hotel.
Following the Sept. 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.
Wilkinson’s naked 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.
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.
He was indicted in December 2022 and has been incarcerated at the Atlantic County Justice Facility.
MMA Fighter
Not much is known about Osborne. In 2017, Osborne quit working as a professional MMA fighter, according to NJ1015.com, citing information from ESPN.
His record was 7-11-1 over several years, Tapology, an MMA fan site, reported.
Wilkinson was a bookkeeper and previously worked for a construction company, according to NJ.com.
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.”
