A downtown Austin, Texas restaurant server has been charged after police said he stabbed a Catholic pastor multiple times during an apparent targeted attack while the pastor was dining with friends.
FOX 7 reported that 45-year-old Edward Koubek was charged with second-degree felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon following the June 27 incident at Bob’s Steak and Chop House.
The victim was identified as Jairo Sandoval-Pliego, pastor of San Jose Catholic Church in Austin.
The attack unfolded around 10:30 p.m. at the restaurant on Lavaca Street. Austin police responded after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting a stabbing.
When officers arrived, they found Sandoval-Pliego suffering from a neck wound. An officer immediately rendered aid by applying pressure to the injury before the pastor was transported to a nearby hospital.
According to witnesses, Koubek recognized Sandoval-Pliego when the pastor entered the restaurant with a couple. As the meal came to an end, Koubek approached the table again. The witnesses initially believed he was embracing the pastor before realizing he was repeatedly stabbing him, FOX 7 reported.
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Officers later located Koubek inside a closed room of the restaurant with blood on his hands and clothing. He was taken into custody without incident.
Sandoval-Pliego told investigators Koubek had attended the church to pray in the past but had not been there for several months. The pastor said they spoke politely before the attack and described the assault as unprovoked.
Hospital staff told police Sandoval-Pliego suffered approximately four to six stab wounds to his back and shoulder area. Medical personnel said that “without medical intervention,” he could have died from his injuries, according to FOX 7.
During questioning, police said Koubek told investigators he had attended the church since 2018 and occasionally went to confession. He claimed he believed Sandoval-Pliego “would snicker” after hearing his confessions.
Police said Koubek told investigators seeing the pastor at the restaurant upset him because “he is still holding a grudge” against Sandoval-Pliego.
According to court documents cited by FOX 7, Koubek admitted retrieving a knife from the restaurant’s kitchen before pacing for about 10 to 15 minutes ahead of the attack.
When investigators asked about his intent, police said Koubek responded, “in the moment, to kill him.”
Koubek’s bail was set at $18,000. Court records show he was ordered to have no contact with Sandoval-Pliego and to stay away from both Bob’s Steak and Chop House and San Jose Catholic Church.
As Sandoval-Pliego continues his recovery, we join in praying for his complete healing and restoration. May God strengthen him, comfort his loved ones and church family, and bring His peace in the aftermath of this violent attack.
James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a journalism background from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and at the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
