Fugitive Apprehended in Panama After Decades on the Run
A Michigan man, identified as Richard Werstine, 56, has been arrested in Panama City, Panama, after being a fugitive for over 30 years. Werstine was wanted in connection with the alleged murder of his roommate, 23-year-old Rodney Barger, in Detroit on September 15, 1993. Barger was the vocalist for the punk band Cold as Life.
Decades-Long Evasion and Capture
Werstine was initially arrested shortly after the alleged murder but failed to appear for his trial, leading to an arrest warrant being issued in 1994. Federal authorities described him as having been a “ghost since ‘94,” noting his cunning and craftiness in evading capture. The U.S. Marshals Service adopted the arrest warrant in 2022 after learning that Werstine had been arrested multiple times under different aliases while continuing to evade authorities.
Investigation Leads to Arrest in Panama
The U.S. Marshals Service employed advanced investigative resources and techniques, dedicating significant hours to locate Werstine. The investigation eventually led authorities to his location, and he was arrested on April 29, 2026, at a dog park in Panama City. Upon his arrest, Werstine allegedly confessed to his true identity. He was found with fraudulent documentation and admitted to entering Panama illegally in 2005.
Extradition and Justice
Following his apprehension, Werstine was extradited from Panama back to the United States and turned over to Wayne County officials. Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Jimmy Allen stated that the arrest of Werstine underscores the U.S. Marshals Service’s commitment to bringing fugitives to justice. He added that the arrest aims to provide closure to the family and friends of Rodney Barger and reinforces the promise to hold accountable those who prey on communities.
