US man accused of killing rock singer in 1993 arrested after decades on the run

US man accused of killing rock singer in 1993 arrested after decades on the run

Briefly

"Richard Werstine, who was wanted in connection with the killing of Cold as Life vocalist Rodney Barger, was arrested in Panama. Investigators say Barger, who was 23 years old, was Werstine's roommate and close friend when Werstine allegedly shot him in the head as he slept inside their Detroit residence on 15 September 1993. Authorities said Werstine, now 56, was taken into custody at a dog park in Panama City, Panama, on 29 April after decades as a fugitive following the alleged murder of Barger."

"Detroit police first detained Werstine just days after Barger's death, but officials say he never showed up for trial proceedings. A warrant for his arrest was issued in June 1994. In May 2022, the US marshals assumed responsibility for Werstine's case related to his failure to appear on murder charges. During the investigation, authorities learned he had been arrested multiple times over the years while using different aliases, though his real identity had remained unknown."

"Officials also said he was carrying fake identification at the time of his arrest, but fingerprint testing later confirmed his identity. He was a ghost since '94, a federal source told WDIV. He was very cunning, very crafty while on the run. After his apprehension, Werstine confessed to being on the run."

"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."