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

Richard Werstine, wanted in connection with killing of Cold as Life vocalist Rodney Barger, was arrested in Panama A suspect accused of murdering his rock singer friend in 1993 has been apprehended in Central America after spending more than 30 years successfully evading authorities. 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 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. Officials also said he was carrying fake identification at the time of his arrest, but fingerprint testing later confirmed his identity. 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. “The tenacity and commitment of the US Marshals Service

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May 14, 2026·Fox NewsT2 · Outlet report
Fugitive tied to decades-old slaying of punk rocker roommate caught in tropical hot spot: feds

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May 14, 2026·Fox NewsT2 · Outlet reportLATEST
Fugitive tied to decades-old slaying of punk rocker roommate caught in tropical hot spot: feds

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May 13, 2026·The GuardianT2 · Outlet reportOPENING
US man accused of killing rock singer in 1993 arrested after decades on the run

Richard Werstine, wanted in connection with killing of Cold as Life vocalist Rodney Barger, was arrested in Panama A suspect accused of murdering his rock singer friend in 1993 has been apprehended in Central America…

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T2 · Outlet reportThe GuardianMay 13, 2026

Richard Werstine, wanted in connection with killing of Cold as Life vocalist Rodney Barger, was arrested in Panama A suspect accused of murdering his rock singer friend in 1993 has been apprehended in Central America after spending more…

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