A 65-year-old golfer, Brian Hiltebeitel, was fatally attacked at Sandhill Crane Golf Club in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, on Monday. Authorities charged Junior Boucher, 36, of West Palm Beach, with first-degree murder in what police described as a “random act of violence.”
According to a probable cause affidavit, Boucher attacked Hiltebeitel with the victim’s own golf clubs near the first hole. Witnesses reported seeing the suspect repeatedly strike Hiltebeitel on the head and choke him during a struggle in a pond. Despite life-saving efforts, Hiltebeitel was pronounced dead at the scene.
Palm Beach Gardens Police Chief Dominick Pape stated, “It does not appear that Boucher had any legitimate purpose for being at the golf course,” emphasizing the seemingly unprovoked nature of the attack.
The affidavit revealed that Boucher struck Hiltebeitel as the victim tried to retreat, screaming, “He’s trying to kill me.” After overpowering him in the water, Boucher continued to beat him until he stopped moving. Witnesses saw Boucher walking away from the pond, stripping off his clothes before police arrived.
Authorities apprehended Boucher, who was nude, using a stun device. He is being held without bond at Palm Beach County jail. Boucher’s criminal history includes drug offenses, domestic battery, and resisting arrest. His family had reported him missing an hour before the incident.
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