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US Marshals Capture Detroit Singer’s Killer at Panama Dog Park

5/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Marshals captured Richard Werstine at a Panama City dog park on April 29, 2026.
He will be transferred to Wayne County law enforcement for prosecution.
Werstine is charged with the September 15, 1993 murder of 23-year-old Rodney “Rawn Beauty” Barger, frontman of Detroit hardcore band Cold as Life.
Authorities said advanced techniques and Panamanian cooperation enabled the capture after Werstine entered Panama illegally in 2005 with fraudulent identification.

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Story summary

U.S. Marshals captured Richard Werstine at a Panama City dog park on April 29, 2026.
He will be transferred to Wayne County law enforcement for prosecution.
Werstine is charged with the September 15, 1993 murder of 23-year-old Rodney “Rawn Beauty” Barger, frontman of Detroit hardcore band Cold as Life.
Authorities said advanced techniques and Panamanian cooperation enabled the capture after Werstine entered Panama illegally in 2005 with fraudulent identification.