A Michigan fugitive suspected of killing his rock singer friend in 1993 has been arrested in Central America after evading authorities for over three decades.
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According to the US Marshals Service, Richard Werstine, who was wanted in connection with the killing of Cold as Life vocalist Rodney Barger, was arrested on April 29 in Panama. Authorities apprehended him at a dog park.
Officials stated that Werstine -- who has gone by several names during his time on the run -- was carrying fake identification at the time of his arrest. Fingerprint testing later confirmed his true identity.
Werstine allegedly shot Barger in the head while he slept in their Detroit residence on Sept. 15, 1993, according to the US Marshals Service.
Detroit police initially detained Werstine days after Barger's death, but officials say he never appeared for trial proceedings. A warrant for his arrest was issued in June 1994.
"The tenacity and commitment of the US Marshals Service working to bring Werstine and those like him into police custody where they belong is at the forefront of our daily mission here in Detroit," Chief Deputy Marshal Jimmy Allen said in a statement.
Allen added: "His arrest not only works toward bringing closure to the friends and family who have lost a loved one but also demonstrates our promise to pursue those who think they can prey on the members of our communities without being held accountable."
Richard Werstine Hid in Panama For Over 20 Years
US Marshals assumed responsibility for Werstine's case in May 2022. During the investigation, authorities discovered that the Michigan fugitive had been arrested several times under false aliases.
"He was a ghost since '94," a federal source told WDIV. "He was very cunning, very crafty while on the run."
Following his arrest, Werstine confessed that he entered Panama illegally in 2005 and never obtained citizenship.
A motive for the 1993 killing has not yet been revealed.
US Marshals officials traveled to Panama on May 9 to extradite Werstine to the US. The 56-year-old fugitive will be booked into jail in Wayne County, Michigan.
