Richard Werstine, also known as Joseph Alan Stavros, 56, was wanted for the Sept. 15, 1993, murder of his roommate. (U.S. Marshals Service)
Detroit
Authorities arrested a Detroit man accused of murder who has been on the run for more than three decades.
Richard Werstine, also known as Joseph Alan Stavros, 56, was taken into custody in Panama last month, the U.S. Marshals Service announced.
Werstine was wanted for the Sept. 15, 1993, murder of his roommate, Rodney Barger, 23, who was the lead singer of the punk rock band Cold as Life.
On April 29, authorities in Panama City arrested Werstine at an area dog park. The 56-year-old was in possession of fraudulent identification. Investigators said fingerprint analysis identified him as a wanted fugitive.
“The U.S. Marshals Service takes crimes of this nature extremely seriously, given the violent nature of the alleged offense and unlawful flight to avoid prosecution,” Owen Cypher, U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Michigan, said.
According to the U.S. Marshals, Werstine confessed to his true identity and being on the run, along with admitting to entering Panama illegally in 2005 while never obtaining legal status.
On Saturday, deputies said they traveled to Panama and worked with agents to have Werstine returned to the U.S.
The Marshals Service noted that Werstine was initially arrested by Detroit police in 1993 for Barger’s murder, but he failed to appear for the trial. In June 1994, a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Authorities said Werstine had been arrested multiple times over the years, but was evading capture while using different aliases until he was finally tracked down in Panama City.
“The dedication of all members of my staff who spearheaded the arrest of this fugitive, who has been on the run for over 30 years, is a testimony to their resolve,” Cypher said. “It sends a message to fugitives that there is no place you can hide that the U.S. Marshals Service won’t find you and bring you to justice.”