Charge filed in Overland Park homicide

A 22-year-old man has been charged in the fatal stabbing of an Overland Park man found dead in his home earlier this month.

Johnson County prosecutors charged Edward William Scott Jr. with premeditated first-degree murder in the death of Chidozie “Joe” Ojiaka, 51.

Ojiaka’s decomposing body was found June 8 in his home in the 7900 block of West 75th Street. According to court documents, the homicide occurred between Nov. 30 and Dec. 9.

Sam Ojiaka, the victim’s brother, said he did not know Scott or how he might have known his brother. Joe Ojiaka met many people through his auto business, Sam Ojiaka said.

“We are relieved that someone has been arrested and charged,” he said Thursday. “We are looking forward to having closure soon.”

Scott, of Kansas City, Kan., was arrested Wednesday and is being held in the Johnson County jail. His bond is set at $1 million.

He made his first appearance in Johnson County District Court on Thursday afternoon. The public defender’s office was appointed to represent him. Scott’s next court appearance was scheduled for June 26.

According to Wyandotte County District Court records, Scott previously spent time at Larned State Hospital after being found not competent to stand trial in a 2011 burglary and attempted theft case.

A judge ordered him to Larned “for stabilization and restoration of competency,” according to online records. He also was ordered to be evaluated “for mental disease or defect.”

Scott’s lawyer in that case filed notice that he intended to rely on a defense of “mental disease or defect.”

The records are unclear about how long the hospital treated Scott, but the charges later were dismissed.

This story was originally published June 19, 2014 at 9:48 AM with the headline "Charge filed in Overland Park homicide."