Otto Lenke has been sentenced to death for the murder of Richard Benson after a trial revealed that his attempt to cover his tracks failed due to his own unique physical traits. The 67-year-old former police officer, who served for 20 years, was found guilty of first-degree murder with a firearm and first-degree arson.
As reported by LADbible, Circuit Court Judge Michael Linn delivered the sentence, stating that the killer executed a cold and calculated plan to murder Benson in one of the most heinous, atrocious, and cruel ways imaginable. The investigation into the February 17, 2021, incident pointed toward Lenke after Lisa Diggs, a woman Lenke had been previously involved with, identified him on CCTV footage.
She recognized his motorbike helmet and his particular walk. Diggs explained to police that she and Lenke had been friends for several years following the death of her husband. Their relationship shifted in January 2021 when Lenke delivered a handmade wooden boat to her and asked why she did not love him. He then questioned her about her love life, and it is believed that a phone call from Benson to Diggs at that moment triggered Lenke to plot the murder.
He left his mobile phone at home to hide his movements
Prosecutors detailed how Lenke drove 40 minutes to reach a motorcycle repair shop owned by Benson in Fort Pierce. He reportedly waited for 20 minutes before confronting the 57-year-old victim. Lenke shot Benson three times in the back and the chest. He then poured two containers of denatured alcohol over Benson and set him on fire while the man was still alive.
Lenke tried to hide his movements by leaving his mobile phone at home and using his daughter’s Pontiac Bonneville to travel to the crime scene. Despite his efforts to avoid detection, the phone was tracked to an area of the Indian River Lagoon near Sebastian.
Police also reportedly recovered a .40-caliber Glock firearm at that same location. As TCPalm reports, Asst. State Attorney Brandon White noted that Lenke used his knowledge and that experience as a police officer to try to get away with this crime, but ultimately made mistakes.
White expressed relief following the sentencing, noting that the family of Richard Benson finally received justice. He added, “He did a horrific act he’s going to pay the price. And up until the day that he dies, he’s going to be in solitary confinement. This is justice. For years, this case has been pending and today, the family of Richard Benson got justice. So, I’m very, very relieved for that.”
The jury had previously recommended the death sentence by an 11-1 vote after hearing the evidence presented during the trial. Judge Linn confirmed the sentence, stating, “The court’s independent evaluation of this case herein leads to the conclusion that the death sentence is appropriate and a just sentence for the murder of Richard Benson.”
He concluded the session by saying, “Therefore, Otto Lenke, I hereby sentence you to death for the first-degree murder of Richard Benson.” The case will now move to the Florida Supreme Court, which must review the conviction under state law before the sentence can be carried out. I
Published: Oct 23, 2026 05:15 am