Ex-police officer sentenced to death for burning man alive

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 14:57 · Archive

Otto Lenke, 67, was sentenced to death for shooting and burning Richard Benson, 57, in February 2021.

Otto Lenke, a 67-year-old former Melbourne police officer and Indian River County firefighter, has been sentenced to death for the murder of Richard Benson, 57, a mechanic. On 17 February 2021, Lenke drove 40 minutes to Fast Frank's Cycle Concepts, Benson's motorcycle repair shop in Fort Pierce, and waited 20 minutes before entering and shooting Benson twice in the back at point-blank range. He then poured two containers of denatured alcohol over Benson and shot him a third time as he lay on the ground. Lenke poured more liquid over Benson and used a lighter to set him on fire, then attempted to run away. Benson tried to crawl towards the door to escape, but Lenke dragged him back.

The entire attack was captured on closed-circuit television. Circuit Court Judge Michael Linn described the murder as 'one of the most heinous, atrocious and cruel ways imaginable', stating that Lenke had 'executed a cold and calculated plan'. Assistant State Attorney Brandon White called it 'one of the most heinous things' he had seen.

Lenke was convicted of first-degree murder with a firearm and first-degree arson of a structure in May. A jury recommended the death penalty in an 11-1 vote. Prosecutors alleged Lenke killed Benson because Benson was dating Lisa Diggs, a woman Lenke had previously been in a relationship with. The crime occurred just down the street from Fort Pierce Police Department.

How it is being reported

• Ex-police officer to be executed after killing love rival in ‘most heinous way imaginable’The crime was described as 'heinous' by an assistant state attorney.Metro · 20 Oct, 14:36
• Ex-police officer to be executed after murdering man in 'one of most cruel ways imaginable'Prosecutor Brandon White said detectives' "jaws dropped" when they watched CCTV of the attack. Judge Michael Linn described the murder as "one of the most heinous, atrocious and cruel ways imaginable"The Mirror · 19 Oct, 09:15

In this story: Otto Lenke · Richard Benson · Lisa Diggs · Judge Michael Linn · Brandon White · Fort Pierce · Florida

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