'It's pretty sad:' Greenfield PD identifies victim of 'random' fatal stabbing, suspect in custody

GREENFIELD -- An innocent man was killed on the job in what police are calling a 'random' stabbing. The attack unfolded near 60th and Armour in Greenfield on Tuesday, Aug. 27.

Police say around noon Tuesday, 49-year-old Ben Christianson was stabbed with an edged weapon in a "completely random assault."

The brutal murder -- which occurred in broad daylight -- has shaken the otherwise quiet community.

"It's just kind of crazy what society is turning into. It's pretty sad, it really is," said Chuck Schultz, a Greenfield resident.

Christianson's mother Jane tells FOX6 News her son was a hydrogeologist with Ramaker & Associates (statement below). During the attack, he was collecting soil samples.

Christianson was taken to the hospital but died from his injuries. Christianson's mother says her son would have turned 50 years old on Labor Day.

Jane Christianson also issued the following statement to FOX6 News:

Greenfield police say the attacker ran from the scene on-foot. A person of interest was detained near 61st and Cold Spring for questioning Tuesday afternoon -- and was later determined to be the lone suspect. He is a 19-year-old Greenfield man. Police say there appears to be no connection between the victim and suspect, and the motive remains unknown at this time.

Investigators are asking anyone who may have witnessed this incident to contact the Greenfield Police Department. If you live in the area and have a home surveillance system, you are urged to check your video for anything that may be of evidentiary value.

Statement from Ramaker & Associates, Inc.