PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — A 65-year-old man was killed in a "random act of violence" while golfing at a golf club in Palm Beach Gardens Monday, the police chief announced.
City of Palm Beach Gardens Police Chief Dominick Pape offered his "deepest sympathies and condolences" to the family of the victim, Brian Hiltebeitel, on Tuesday.
"They are experiencing an unthinkable tragedy, an unmeasurable loss," Pape told WPTV. "Our department stands with you."
The tragedy began Monday around 12:30 p.m. when the family of Junior Boucher, 36, reported him missing to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. Around 1:20 p.m., officers responded to the Sandhill Crane Golf Club after Boucher had unleashed a "random" attack on a golfer near the first hole, Pape said. The police chief said Boucher had used the victim's own golf clubs in the attack.
When officers arrived, the police chief said an unclothed Boucher ran into a nearby wooded area. Pape said he then led them on a short foot pursuit into a murky area, then took him into custody after a brief struggle.
Officers then located Hiltebeitel's body on the fairway of the first hole. Fire rescue had also responded to the golf club and attempted to rescue Hiltebeitel, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
"This appears to be a random act of violence where Boucher used the victim's golf clubs as weapons and viciously attacked the victim, ultimately killing him," Pape said.
The police chief said Boucher has a criminal history, having been arrested for drug possession in 2006 and 2008, domestic battery in 2018 and then did jail time after a fleeing, eluding and resisting arrest charge in 2022.
He's now been charged with first-degree murder and booked into the Palm Beach County Jail.
Pape noted Palm Beach Garden's low crime rate in his press conference, emphasizing that it's still a "safe city," but urges residents to maintain awareness and always be vigilant wherever they are.
