A Michigan fugitive who allegedly murdered his finest good friend and rock singer roommate was arrested as authorities found he’d been hiding in Central America as a “ghost” for over three a long time.
Richard Werstine, 56, was captured at a canine park in Panama Metropolis on April 29 after he’d been on the run following the alleged killing of Chilly as Life frontman Rodney Barner, 23, inside their Detroit dwelling, again on Sept. 15, 1993, in keeping with the US Marshals Service.
Werstine – who had passed by a number of names, together with Joseph Alan Stavros – was present in possession of fraudulent identification and was solely recognized after having his fingerprints scanned.
Barner, additionally recognized by his stagename Rawn Magnificence, was fatally shot within the head in his sleep.
The singer was described as a “fabled wild-man vocalist,” whose antics led to the backdrop for most of the band’s songs, in keeping with Revolver Journal.
Werstine was arrested days after the heinous homicide however failed to look for his court docket look as he was set to face trial, as a substitute skipping city and happening the lam.
Authorities issued a warrant for Werstine’s arrest in June 1994. A motive for the 1993 homicide has not been revealed.
Officers didn’t reveal if further expenses could be added to Werstine’s case.
“He was a ghost since ‘94,” WDIV reported, citing a supply. “He was very crafty, very artful whereas on the run.”
“He’s a liar. He’s believed what he stated and had a complete new life,” US Marshal Assistant Chief Deputy James Allen advised the outlet.
Werstine, utilizing his alternate names, escaped police detection regardless of being arrested a number of instances in Michigan, Arizona and different locations for arson and gun expenses, in keeping with the outlet.
“In Might 2022, the USMS adopted the warrant for failure to look for a homicide cost and thru its investigation found that Werstine had been arrested a number of instances over time underneath totally different aliases, however his true identification was by no means recognized to authorities,” officers stated.
Officers tracked Werstine right down to Panama Metropolis earlier than authorities moved in on him again in April.
After his arrest, Werstine admitted to utilizing a faux identify and dwelling in Panama illegally since 2005, by no means acquiring authorized standing.
“He had roots in Panama and kinda simply lived a brand new life and I feel he thought that he would by no means be caught,” Allen added.
“He 100% thought he was by no means gonna be discovered,” Allen stated. “Fingerprints don’t lie.”
US Marshals officers traveled to Panama on Might 9 to extradite Werstine to the US, the place he might be booked into jail in Wayne County, Michigan.
A photograph shared by officers captured Werstine being escorted by a Houston airport after arriving within the US.
“The tenacity and dedication of the US Marshals Service working to convey Werstine and people like him into police custody the place they belong is on the forefront of our every day mission right here in Detroit,” Allen stated in an announcement.
“His arrest not solely works towards bringing closure to the family and friends who’ve misplaced a cherished one but additionally demonstrates our promise to pursue those that assume they’ll prey on the members of our communities with out being held accountable.”
