When they arrived, they found 76-year-old Arthur L. Anderson of Kokomo bleeding from his neck. Despite the efforts of medical personnel and bystanders on the trail, Anderson died from his injuries.
Investigators say 22-year-old Shane C. Golitko drove away from the scene in a black Jeep Cherokee on State Road 218 near U.S. 31.
State Troopers say they caught up with Golitko's SUV about 20 minutes later and tried to initiate a traffic stop. Golitko refused to stop and led a trooper on a short pursuit. Miami County Sheriff's Deputies used their own squad cars to block the road, stop Golitko, and arrest him.
After further investigation, one minute before the 911 call reporting the stabbing on the Nickle Plate Trail, Valerie Henson of Bunker Hill called 911 to report her son, Golitko, had battered her during an altercation at their home. She went to a neighbor's house. It is believed Golitko took a knife from their home and walked about 150 yards south of his home to the Nickle Plate Trail where Anderson was stabbed.
Golitko then returned to his home, allegedly destroying items inside and stabbing two dogs, killing one.
Golitko is in the Miami County Jail on a murder charge. He also faces two felony counts for battery causing serious bodily injury and battery by bodily waste. He allegedly spat at officers while being processed into the jail. Golitko is being held without bond.
The Miami County Sheriff’s Department says Golitko and his mom, Valerie Henderson, have a history of drug and criminal mischief.
Police say Golitko was arrested for marijuana possession in 2010. Police also say they have made several runs to the home of Golitko and his mom for violent disturbances. However, they say they saw no indication that Golitko was drunk or high when he stabbed Anderson in the neck.
Anderson, another adult male and two boys were on the Nickle Plate Trail as part of a Boy Scout outing. According to an Indiana State Police media release, the group planned to hike the trail from Bunker Hill to a location known as Bennetts Switch. The group had stopped on the trail to discuss and identify a tree when the alleged stabbing occurred.
The group was part of a Boy Scout troop from Kokomo. Anderson was the assistant Scoutmaster and he had been involved with scouting for over 50 years.
Anderson retired from General Motors, where he specialized in electronics. He was also a mentor for the Kokomo High School “Technokats” Robotics Team.
Anderson leaves behind his wife, Bette, of more than 50 years.
"Art was the nicest guy I've ever met in my life," said Scott Musgrave, a close friend of Anderson. "I never heard him say a cross word to anybody. Not even a cuss word came out of his mouth."
Anderson was the only one attacked in the incident.
The Sagamore Council of the Boy Scouts of America released the following statement:
"The Sagamore Council family is deeply saddened to learn about the death of dedicated and long-time Assistant Scoutmaster Art Anderson. Art passed away while doing what he loved-- mentoring young men-- while on a five-mile hike. We have reached out to the Scouting families of those involved to offer support and assistance. While this crime appears to be a random act of violence, and the alleged assailant is nto connected to Scouting, we are working with the local authorities in their investigation of this matter.
The success of BSA lies in the hearts and minds of volunteers who graciously give of their personal time to support a youth program in which they believe. Today is a very difficult day for the entire Scouting family and we ask for the continual thoughts and prayers for all those involved in this tragic event."
The Kokomo Tribune reports services for Anderson will be held at the Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Mortuary at 11 a.m. The burial will follow and take place at Hebrew Cemetery North in Indianapolis.
