Suvechha Sarkar
The episode titled ‘Happy Birthday to Drew’ of Investigation Discovery’s ‘See No Evil’ sheds light on the heartbreaking murder of 46-year-old Andrew George Nesbitt, lovingly known as Drew, on March 27, 2017. He was celebrating his birthday at his apartment in Madison, Wisconsin, when his life came to an abrupt halt. As investigators began searching for clues, a trail of surveillance footage ultimately led them to the killer. The episode further features interviews with his brother, roommate, and the detectives who solved the crime.
Andrew Nesbitt Died From Multiple Stab Wounds in His Apartment
Joan Alberta and William A. Nesbitt welcomed their son, Andrew George Nesbitt, into the world on March 27, 1971. They lovingly called him Drew and raised him in a tight-knit household in Menominee, Michigan. He grew up alongside his ten sisters and brother James “Jim” Nesbitt. Andrew’s loved ones remembered him as an extroverted individual who loved making friends everywhere he went. He had an infectious smile and lit up any room he walked into. After completing his education, he eventually began his career. On December 25, 2011, he visited a gay bar, where he was unfortunately attacked by two men. Fortunately, Andrew survived the attack after reportedly undergoing an emergency surgery.
Reports state that the assailants were ultimately arrested and sentenced to 2 years in prison. By March 2017, Andrew had made a fresh start after moving to Madison, Wisconsin. There, he settled into an apartment on North Butler Street with his roommate, Rachel Bauer, and began working at a pizza parlor. Things took a dark turn on March 27, 2017, when Rachel returned from her trip and found her apartment door unlocked. When she went inside, she found Andrew’s remains on the bed in his bedroom. She quickly called 911 to report the incident. After detectives arrived at the scene, they found the 46-year-old dead from multiple stab wounds and noticed blood spatter on the bedroom wall.
Experts reportedly observed drops of blood leading to the bathroom, where they found blood in the sink. They deduced that there was a possibility that the killer had hurt himself during the stabbing and might have used the sink to wash away the blood. Additionally, they uncovered a thumbprint from the toilet handle. Inside the apartment, detectives found an open liquor bottle, suggesting a small celebration. Furthermore, they recovered a receipt from a nearby convenience store dated around 3:30 am on March 27 for the purchase of a gallon of milk. The autopsy report revealed that Andrew was stabbed around 70 times, and his cause of death was determined to be the fatal stab wounds.
A Significant Trail of CCTV Footage Linked the Crime to the Prime Suspect
Once the investigation commenced, Rachel informed officials that on the night of March 26, 2017, Andrew had posted on his Facebook that he was going out. In her statements, she further revealed the list of local bars where he used to frequent. According to reports, after reviewing CCTV footage from some bars, authorities discovered that Andrew had visited two bars, where he spoke with others before heading out alone. Further records suggest that when they reviewed the convenience store’s surveillance footage, it showed him buying milk after 3 am. Following that, it showed him standing outside the store and speaking to someone, but other objects obstructed the view of the other individual.
Detectives reportedly observed a green cab parked in the footage and contacted the cab company to obtain the dashcam video of that car. Upon checking that dashcam footage, they discovered that Andrew was speaking with a black man wearing a black coat with a white collar before parting ways with him. However, the camera captured the man following the 46-year-old shortly after. According to police records, additional street surveillance footage showed the suspect sometimes walking alongside Andrew and at other times walking behind him. Investigative records indicate that when detectives asked the convenience store manager about the man, she informed them he had stolen items from the store the previous day.
According to official records, investigators soon discovered that the man was Darrick E. Anderson, who had been arrested five days earlier for disorderly conduct. However, no public records report whether he was convicted of the charge. As they continued digging deeper, they discovered that he had been caught while stealing clothes from a mall. In late March 2017, law enforcement arrested Darrick for unrelated retail theft charges and noted that he had injuries on his right hand, consistent with a knife attack. When he was questioned, he requested an attorney and refused to speak with the detectives. When his DNA and fingerprints were checked, they matched the ones found at the crime scene. Ultimately, Darrick was charged with first-degree intentional homicide.
Darrick Anderson is Incarcerated at a Wisconsin Prison Facility Today
The jury trial of Darrick Anderson began on October 3, 2017. During the trial, the prosecution presented forensic evidence, such as DNA and fingerprint matches to the defendant, and multiple CCTV recordings. They further presented his phone records, which contained a video of Andrew celebrating his birthday on March 27, 2017, with the defendant. On the other hand, the defense centered its case on mental responsibility. They argued that he was not mentally fit when he committed the crime. In early October 2017, Darrick was found guilty of first-degree intentional homicide by use of a dangerous weapon.
On October 11, the jury further determined that Darrick was mentally responsible at the time of committing the crime. He was ultimately sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on January 4, 2018. The defendant appealed his judgment, challenging the admission of some evidence that showed his sexual orientation, which was not relevant to the homicide. On April 9, 2020, the Appellate Court affirmed his judgment. As of writing, Darrick is serving his sentence at the Columbia Correctional Institution in Portage, Wisconsin.
Read More: Michael Castagne Murder: Where is Daeveion Mangum Now?
