Oklahoma Labor Commissioner Mark Costello was stabbed to death on Sunday night–apparently at the hand of his own son.
Christian Costello, 26, apparently stabbed his father inside a Braum’s restaurant in Oklahoma City, and then began stabbing him again once the duo went out to the parking lot.
“It was shocking and dramatic and like I said, it was very cold and you could feel the sense of cold,” said a witness, Patrick Spencer, who was driving by as the stabbing continued in the parking lot. “Several people were able to step in and get the knife away from him and tackle him to the ground, and they tied him up with belts.”
Mark Costello was taken to the OU Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. His son was taken into custody by Oklahoma City Police.
According to reports, Costello and his son had a fight with one enough earlier that day and agreed to meet at Braum’s. Christian attacked his father with a steak knife, and stabbed him at least four times inside the restaurant.
The outpouring of sympathy for Costello’s tragic murder came from all levels of Oklahoma politics.
Randy Brogdon, the State Republican Chair, said: “Mark Costello was a dear friend and tonight’s news has left me speechless. While this news is heartbreaking, please join me in praying for the family of my friend.”
Costello, a Republican, was elected to the position of Labor Commissioner in 2010, and won re-election last year. The Oklahoma Department of Labor closed their offices on Monday, in honor of Costello.
Costello is survived by his wife and their five children, including Christian.
