- Richard Werstine, a fugitive for over 30 years, was arrested in Panama for allegedly killing his roommate, rock singer Rodney Barger, in 1993.
- Werstine, 56, lived under multiple false identities, evading law enforcement since a warrant was issued for his arrest in 1994.
- He was extradited back to the U.S. on May 9, 2023, by the U.S. Marshals Service for accountability in this cold case.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN — A Michigan fugitive accused of killing his rock singer roommate has been arrested in Panama after more than 30 years on the run, authorities said. The cold-case arrest adds to other Michigan shooting cases involving serious allegations, including one where a Michigan woman allegedly shot a man 6 times and mocked him during a 911 call.
Richard Werstine, 56, was arrested on April 29 in Panama City, Panama, after investigators said he had spent decades living under fake identities.
Werstine is accused in the 1993 killing of Rodney Barger, also reported as Rodney Barner, the 23-year-old vocalist of the Detroit hardcore band Cold as Life. Barger, who also performed under the name Rawn Beauty, was fatally shot in the head while sleeping inside the Detroit home he shared with Werstine.
Fugitive Wanted Since 1994
Authorities said Werstine was initially arrested after the killing but failed to appear for trial.
A warrant was issued for his arrest in June 1994. After that, officials said Werstine disappeared and managed to avoid detection for more than 3 decades.
The U.S. Marshals Service later adopted the case in 2022. Investigators discovered that Werstine had been arrested multiple times over the years under different names, but authorities had not previously confirmed his true identity.
Living Under Fake Names
Officials said Werstine used multiple aliases, including Joseph Alan Stavros.
Investigators eventually tracked him to Panama City, where he was found in possession of fraudulent identification. He was arrested at a dog park after authorities moved in.
Fingerprint testing confirmed his identity.
After his arrest, Werstine allegedly admitted he had been living in Panama illegally since 2005 and had never obtained legal status.
Extradited Back to the United States
U.S. Marshals traveled to Panama to bring Werstine back to the United States.
He was extradited on May 9 and handed over to Wayne County authorities in Michigan. A photo released by officials showed him being escorted through a Houston airport after arriving back in the U.S.
Authorities said the arrest was a major step toward accountability in a case that had remained unresolved for decades.
Victim Was Cold as Life Vocalist
Barger was known as the frontman of Cold as Life, a Detroit hardcore band with a devoted following.
Reports described him as a memorable and intense performer whose personality helped shape the band’s reputation.
A motive for the killing has not been publicly released.
Officials have not announced whether additional charges will be added to Werstine’s case.
To watch more cases about fugitives caught after decades on the run, check out our video here:
