Former officer sentenced to death for brutally murdering mechanic in Florida

At the St Lucie County Courthouse, a jury convicted former police officer Otto Lenke of first-degree murder and arson for the 2021 killing of mechanic Richard Benson. Lenke drove to Fast Frank’s Cycle Concepts in Fort Pierce, waited, then shot Benson twice in the back at close range before pouring denatured alcohol over him and igniting the flames. The attack, recorded by nearby surveillance cameras, was described by Circuit Court Judge Michael Linn as "one of the most heinous, atrocious and cruel ways imaginable."

Prosecutors linked the motive to Lenke's jealousy over a past romantic rivalry, noting that his ex-girlfriend Lisa Diggs helped identify him. Lenke was sentenced to death, though Florida law mandates an automatic review by the state Supreme Court, allowing further appeals. The case has drawn comments from the victim’s friends, who expressed relief at the sentence but anticipate prolonged legal proceedings.