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.
Christian Costello previously was arrested last year in an indecent exposure incident in which a woman reported to The Village police that he was seen standing in front of a window at St. Eugene School with his pants down. It was then, she said, that he exposed himself.
The Village police reported Christian Costello was chewing on bird feathers, dandelions and other weeds when they confronted him, according to local television news reports.
Christian Costello has been on probation since 2012 after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor assault offense involving a police officer and to driving under the influence of a drug, online court records show.
He was charged last year with outraging public decency, a misdemeanor. That case is still pending.
Mark Costello, 59, was first elected Labor Commissioner in 2010 and again in 2014. Sources told The Oklahoman his wife was at the hospital with him when he was declared dead.
Costello's office issued a statement about his death late Sunday night.
"Mark Costello was a tremendous leader, colleague and most importantly friend to all of those at the Oklahoma Department of Labor," the statement said. "Our hearts ache as an agency for this tragic event and our department grieves for his family during this very difficult time. We ask for your prayers and respect for the family of Commissioner Costello."
Condolences were already being issued within two hours of Costello's death.
"My family is stunned and deeply grieved to hear of the tragic death of Labor Commissioner Mark Costello," said Sen. James Lankford. "Mark was passionate about our nation, conservative fiscal principles, and the people of our state. Mark was a friend, and as we grieve, we will also pray for his family as they deal with this unbelievable tragedy."
Contributing: Staff Writers Graham Lee Brewer, Dave Cathey and Nolan Clay.
(c)2015 The Oklahoman
