A man accused of murdering his close friend and rock band vocalist in 1993 has finally been arrested after spending more than three decades evading authorities.
According to officials, Richard Werstine was taken into custody in Panama City after investigators tracked him down following years of searching.Authorities say Werstine is accused of killing Rodney Barger, the lead singer of hardcore punk band Cold as Life, in September 1993.
Investigators allege that Barger, who was also known by his stage name Rawn Beauty, was shot while asleep inside the home he shared with Werstine in Detroit.Police initially arrested Werstine shortly after the incident, but he later disappeared before attending court proceedings.
An arrest warrant was issued in 1994, and authorities say he managed to avoid capture for decades by using fake identities.Officials revealed that he was arrested at a dog park in Panama City on April 29 while allegedly carrying false identification documents.
Fingerprint analysis later confirmed his true identity.Investigators said Werstine had been living illegally in Panama since 2005 and had reportedly admitted to being on the run from authorities.Law enforcement agencies, including the US Marshals Service and Panamanian authorities, spent years tracking leads before finally locating him.Authorities have not revealed a motive for the killing.Rodney Barger was widely known in the underground hardcore music scene and helped form Cold as Life in 1988.
The band gained recognition for its aggressive sound and loyal fanbase.
