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Me salió la noticia en Instagram, debido a que algunos periódicos solo mencionan por encima, fui a buscar en otros medios para tener la información completa.

La versión corta es que el señor Richard Werstine era el principal sospechoso por la muerte de su compañero de cuarto, Rodney Barger, quien pertenecía a una banda de hardcore llamada Cold as Life como vocalista principal. El asesinato ocurrió el 15 de septiembre de 1993.

Nunca se presentó a la audiencia, estuvo prófugo y huyó por varios estados usando nombres falsos.

Entró en Panamá de forma ilegal en 2005 e hizo su vida aquí como una persona común. Pero finalmente fue arrestado el 29 de abril de 2026, ojo que cuando lo hicieron cargaba identificación falsa. Pero las huellas en la base de datos no mentían. Debo aclarar que fue por una investigación del Servicio de Marshals de Estados Unidos, quienes le siguieron el rastro hasta acá.

¿Cuántos criminales extranjeros andan campantes por nuestro país? Esa es la verdadera cuestión.

Se escondió en Panamá durante 21 años uno de los fugitivos más buscados de Estados Unidos

Rodney Barger, also known as “Rawn Beauty,” was the vocalist and founding member of the Detroit hardcore band Cold as Life.

On September 15, 1993, Barger was shot three times and killed while sleeping. He was only 23 years old. His roommate, Richard Werstine, was arrested in connection with the case shortly after the murder, but was later released for reasons that were never publicly disclosed. Werstine failed to appear for his arraignment hearing, and a warrant was issued for his arrest in 1994, making him a fugitive.

According to several sources, Werstine traveled through multiple states over the years, including Arizona and Michigan. He was reportedly arrested on other charges, including firearm-related offenses, but consistently used false identities to avoid detection.

The case was eventually assigned to the U.S. Marshals Service’s Detroit Fugitive Apprehension Team in 2022. Investigators developed information suggesting Werstine may have been living in Panama.

On April 29, 2026, the U.S. Marshals Service, working alongside Diplomatic Security Service and Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from Panama’s National Police Intelligence Directorate and National Migration Service, arrested Werstine while he was walking his dog in a local park in Panama City.

At the time of his arrest, Werstine was carrying false identification documents. However, investigators were able to confirm his identity through fingerprint analysis.

Authorities stated that Werstine admitted to entering Panama illegally in 2005. He had built a quiet life there, reportedly marrying and living under the radar as an ordinary citizen without ever obtaining legal immigration status.

Richard Werstine has since been extradited back to the United States, where he will face second-degree murder charges in connection with Barger’s death. Barger left behind a two-year-old daughter.

Barger’s daughter, Zoeie Mendez, later reacted publicly to the news of the arrest. She said she never truly expected the day would come when someone would finally be taken into custody for her father’s murder. In interviews, she stated that although her father was not perfect, she believed he had been trying to turn his life around before he was killed.

Cold as Life has not released any public statement regarding the arrest. However, in a 2013 documentary clip, the band’s manager said:

«“If you’re out there, Rich Werstine, we’re gonna find you.”»

Sources:

https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/investigations/2026/05/14/never-thought-this-day-would-come-murder-victims-daughter-reacts-to-detroit-longtime-fugitives-arrest/

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/detroit-cold-case-murder-suspect-arrested-30-years-lam-rcna345102

https://www.mypanhandle.com/news/national-news/man-accused-of-killing-punk-singer-arrested-in-panama-after-over-30-years-on-the-run/

https://www.midiario.com/policiales/cayo-en-panama-richard-werstine-profugo-desde-1993-el-fantasma-de-detroit-buscado-por-el-crimen-del-vocalista-de-la-banda-punk-estadounidense-cold-as-life/