Long-term Fugitive Richard Werstine Arrested in Panama

May 14, 2026, 20:13
Latin AmericaOther

Introduction

United States federal authorities have captured 56-year-old Richard Werstine, who had avoided prosecution for a 1993 murder for thirty years.

Main Body

The legal case began after the death of Rodney Barger, a singer for the band Cold as Life, on September 15, 1993. Although Werstine was arrested shortly after the incident, he failed to appear for his trial in June 1994, which led to an arrest warrant. He managed to hide from the law for years by using several fake names, such as Joseph Alan Stavros, and by taking advantage of the fact that digital fingerprint databases did not exist in the 1990s. Records show that Werstine did not avoid the police entirely during his time on the run. In January 1999, while using the name Stavros, he was involved in a violent fight with police in Flagstaff, Arizona. During this encounter, he allegedly fired fourteen shots and refused to surrender, resulting in him being shot by officers. Despite this, he continued to hide his true identity by using other aliases, including Joseph Shnorock and James Elizarrey. The case was reopened in 2022 when the United States Marshals Service (USMS) took over the warrant. Using modern investigative techniques, the Detroit Fugitive Apprehension Team tracked him to Panama. On April 29, working with Panamanian authorities, they arrested Werstine at a dog park in Panama City. After police found fake identification and analyzed his fingerprints, Werstine admitted who he was and confessed that he had entered Panama illegally in 2005.

Conclusion

After being extradited back to the U.S., Werstine has been handed over to Wayne County officials to wait for his trial.

Learning

The 'Action-Result' Connector

To move from A2 to B2, you must stop using simple sentences like "He didn't go to court. The police looked for him." Instead, you need to connect ideas to show cause and effect.

Look at this phrase from the text:

"...he failed to appear for his trial in June 1994, which led to an arrest warrant."

Why this is a B2 Power-Move: Instead of starting a new sentence with "So," the writer uses , which led to... This creates a bridge between the action (missing trial) and the result (the warrant). It makes your English sound fluid and professional.

⚡️ Try these replacements

If you are an A2 student, you probably say:

  • "It rained, so the game stopped." →\rightarrow (A2)
  • "He lied, so he got in trouble." →\rightarrow (A2)

To sound like a B2 speaker, upgrade to:

  • "It rained, which led to the game being stopped." →\rightarrow (B2)
  • "He lied, which led to him getting in trouble." →\rightarrow (B2)

🔍 Vocabulary Expansion: 'The Art of Hiding'

B2 speakers use precise verbs instead of general ones. Notice how the text describes Werstine's evasion:

  • Avoided prosecution (Instead of: "didn't go to jail")
  • Failed to appear (Instead of: "didn't show up")
  • Took advantage of (Instead of: "used a good situation")

Pro Tip: When describing a problem in a formal report or essay, don't just say something "happened." Use "led to" to show the logical chain of events.

Vocabulary Learning

fugitive (n.)
A person who has escaped from a place of confinement or who is avoiding arrest.
Example:The fugitive was finally caught after years on the run.
arrested (v.)
To take someone into custody by legal authority.
Example:Police arrested the suspect at the dog park.
prosecution (n.)
The legal process of trying someone for a crime.
Example:The prosecution sought justice for the 1993 murder.
murder (n.)
The unlawful killing of a human being with intent.
Example:The case involved a 1993 murder that had gone unsolved.
incident (n.)
An event or occurrence, especially one that is unusual or problematic.
Example:The incident took place shortly after the death of Rodney Barger.
trial (n.)
A formal examination of evidence by a judge or jury to decide guilt or innocence.
Example:He failed to appear for his trial in June 1994.
warrant (n.)
An official document authorizing arrest or search.
Example:The arrest warrant was issued after he missed his trial.
digital (adj.)
Relating to electronic data stored in binary form.
Example:Digital fingerprint databases did not exist in the 1990s.
fingerprint (n.)
The unique pattern of ridges on a finger used for identification.
Example:Police analyzed his fingerprints to confirm his identity.
database (n.)
A structured collection of data stored electronically.
Example:Fingerprint databases helped law enforcement track suspects.
encounter (n.)
A meeting or confrontation between people or groups.
Example:The encounter with police turned violent.
violent (adj.)
Involving or characterized by physical force or aggression.
Example:The violent fight resulted in several injuries.
shot (n.)
A discharge of a firearm, or the bullet itself.
Example:He fired fourteen shots during the altercation.
surrender (v.)
To give up resistance or to submit to authority.
Example:He refused to surrender when officers approached.
identity (n.)
The characteristics that distinguish one person from another.
Example:He hid his true identity by using aliases.
alias (n.)
A false name used to conceal one's real identity.
Example:He used the alias Joseph Shnorock to avoid detection.
reopened (v.)
To open again after being closed or inactive.
Example:The case was reopened in 2022 by the Marshals Service.
investigative (adj.)
Relating to the process of investigating or gathering evidence.
Example:Investigative techniques helped locate the fugitive.
techniques (n.)
Methods or procedures used to accomplish something.
Example:Advanced techniques were employed to track him to Panama.
identification (n.)
The process of proving or confirming someone's identity.
Example:Police found fake identification at the scene.
admitted (v.)
To confess or acknowledge something.
Example:He admitted who he was after being questioned.
entered (v.)
To come into or go into a place.
Example:He entered Panama illegally in 2005.
illegally (adv.)
In a way that is against the law.
Example:He entered the country illegally.
extradited (v.)
To send someone back to another country for prosecution.
Example:He was extradited back to the U.S. for trial.
officials (n.)
People who hold a position of authority in an organization or government.
Example:County officials will oversee his trial.
wait (v.)
To stay in one place until something happens.
Example:They will wait for his trial to begin.