PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — A tragic incident occurred on a golf course in Florida, resulting in the death of a 65-year-old golfer who was attacked in a seemingly random act of violence. Authorities employed the use of golf clubs in what has been described as a brutal confrontation, allegedly carried out by a man with a violent past, who had recently been forced out of his family home.
The victim, Brian Hiltebeitel, was engaged in a game at Sandhill Crane Golf Club when he fell victim to an assault by 36-year-old Junior Boucher. Earlier that day, Boucher’s family had reported him missing and had taken steps to evict him from their residence after an apparent series of disputes.
Witness accounts revealed that Hiltebeitel was heard screaming, “He’s trying to kill me,” as Boucher began to strike him with a golf club. Despite his attempts to escape, Boucher was able to grab another club from Hiltebeitel’s bag, pursuing him until the altercation continued near a nearby pond. There, Boucher allegedly assaulted him further by choking him and relentlessly beating him, according to police reports.
Police have stated that there appears to be no prior relationship between the two men, nor evidence suggesting that the assault stemmed from an argument or provocation beforehand. Chief Dominick Pape mentioned that investigators have found no connections linking the two parties prior to the incident.
Following the assault, Boucher stripped himself of his clothing and attempted to flee into the surrounding wooded areas. Law enforcement, however, was able to subdue him using a stun gun. He is currently being held without bond on charges of first-degree murder. Being no stranger to law enforcement, Boucher has previously faced charges including domestic battery, assaults on police officers, and drug-related offenses.
Hiltebeitel, noted for owning an organic snack food business, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene of the attack. Legal representatives from the Palm Beach County Public Defender’s Office are now involved in Boucher’s case but have refrained from commenting publicly, adhering to protocol regarding ongoing legal matters.
