Family, friends recall slain man

By Rusty Surette, NEWS 9

Wesley Bonham's father said his son was the kind of person who would help anybody with anything they needed.

That's why he wanted to celebrate the 28-year old's life after it came to an abrupt end.

There was standing room only at a northwest Oklahoma City church as those who knew Bonham gathered to remember his life and the love he shared with everybody including strangers.

"I probably lived with him for a year and a half and everyday there was probably somebody different that he took in to help that would be in our house," his friend, Stephanie Davis said.

Police theorize those acts of kindness is what led to the young man's murder just seven months after he moved to a Tampa, Fla., apartment complex.

Police said 23-year-old drifter Joshua Wilkins, who was allowed to sleep on his couch, stabbed Bonham 18 times and cut his throat.   

His father said Bonham moved to Florida for a fresh start at life and was working at a family fitness center.

A funeral service for Bonham also was held in California where his mother lives.

The man accused of killing Bonham was arrested near San Antonio two days after the attack. He's charged with first-degree murder.