‘All I kept thinking was… the son went and killed him’: Neighbors react as Chesterfield son admits to killing father

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Chesterfield County Police confirmed the person charged Wednesday, March 26, in the death of a 69-year-old Chesterfield man was the victim's own son. The defendant had his first day in court for his 2nd degree murder charge on Thursday.

8News went to the Chesterfield County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courthouse for the hearing and to pick up a copy of the criminal complaint. Our team also headed to the neighborhood where the crime occurred to speak with neighbors like Alan Harvey.

"All I kept thinking was… the son went and killed him," Harvey said in disbelief.

Chesterfield County law enforcement officials also made time to speak with members of the media and share what they could about the heinous crime

"It's not the first time that there's been issues between the father and the son," Chesterfield County Police Captain Randy Horowitz said.

8News learned that Wednesday afternoon, Chesterfield County Police received an unusual message from their Richmond counterparts.

Captain Horowitz explained that 46-year-old Frank Wyatt turned himself in to the Richmond Police Department Wednesday afternoon. He admitted to killing his father. Richmond officers contacted the Chesterfield County Police Department, since this case falls under their jurisdiction.

Chesterfield investigators went to the father and son's home along Goldenbrook Drive where, somewhat to their shock, according to leaders with the team, they found the older gentleman's body at the bottom of a staircase.

Investigators spoke with Wyatt who said it all started with a physical fight.

"He clearly understands that he did something wrong," Horowitz said when asked about Wyatt's mental state. "But there's no question that he has some issues with reality."

Wyatt, who was living at his father's Chesterfield home at the time of the crime, described to police how he got on top of the nearly 70-year-old man's back and choked him for "minutes." He added that after realizing his father was not breathing, he pushed the deceased man down the stairs and took off on foot. We're told he walked until he got a ride and then went straight to the Richmond Police Department.

Wyatt initially told officials this happened about two weeks ago, but Chesterfield Police estimate it was actually a little closer to four days prior to Wyatt's arrest.

While the case may appear shocking to some and puzzling to others, to his next-door neighbor, Harvey explained how it felt tragic and heartbreaking to hear. He said his mother cried when she heard about what happened, as the victim was always kind and would join his family for cookouts. Harvey even told our team that the victim had retired recently and was ready to live a life of peace. The neighbor alleged that the son had always been a bit more standoffish compared to his father.

"That dude is going to have a long time to regret what he did, for sure," Harvey said. "I just wish that [the victim] could have lived out his retirement years, you know, he earned it. He was a hard-working man. I know that much."

Wyatt's hearing on Thursday was largely just a procedural event. However, he appeared confused as to what type of court proceeding he was in. He made a somewhat unusual statement when asked about his potential desire for a court-appointed attorney, he said something along the lines of "I guess I should plea[d] no contest?"

Ultimately, Wyatt requested a public defender. There will be a status and bond hearing in May.