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Fugitive Caught After 32 Years on the Run
14 May
Summary
- Man arrested in Panama after 32 years as a fugitive.
- Suspected of murder, he evaded authorities since 1994.
- Capture occurred at a dog park in Panama City.
Richard Werstine, also known as Joseph Alan Stavros, 56, has been arrested in Panama City, Panama, ending a 32-year fugitive status. Werstine was wanted for the alleged murder of his roommate, 23-year-old Rodney Barger, on September 15, 1993. Barger was the vocalist for the punk band Cold as Life.
Werstine initially evaded authorities after failing to appear for his trial in 1994, leading to an arrest warrant. The U.S. Marshals Service took over the case in 2022, utilizing advanced investigative techniques. This led to his apprehension on April 29, 2026, at a dog park in Panama City.
Upon his arrest, Werstine reportedly confessed to his identity and was found to have entered Panama illegally in 2005. He has since been extradited from Panama to the United States and turned over to Wayne County officials. The U.S. Marshals Service highlighted their commitment to pursuing fugitives and bringing closure to victims' families.
