A 65-year-old golfer was fatally attacked with his own clubs and drowned in a pond at the Sandhill Crane Golf Club in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida on November 25, 2024, in what authorities describe as a random act of violence. The victim, Brian Hiltebeitel, was a resident known for his love of the game.
The suspect, Junior Boucher, 36, has been charged with first-degree murder. Witnesses reported hearing Hiltebeitel shout, “He’s trying to kill me,” as Boucher chased him with a golf club. The chase ended near the first hole, where Boucher allegedly chased Hiltebeitel into a pond. Witnesses described a struggle in the water, with Boucher appearing to choke the victim before striking him multiple times in the head with a golf club.
Authorities responding to the scene found Boucher naked and attempting to flee. He was subdued with an electronic control weapon and taken into custody. Hiltebeitel was discovered in the pond with severe head injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Palm Beach Gardens Police Chief Dominick Pape said, “At this time, it does not appear that Boucher had any legitimate purpose for being at the golf course. This appears to be a random act of violence where Boucher used the victim’s golf clubs as weapons.”
Boucher, who has a history of arrests including domestic battery and drug possession, remains in custody without bond at the Palm Beach County Jail. Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident but have not identified any prior connection between Boucher and Hiltebeitel.
Boucher’s family reported him missing about an hour before the attack. Court documents also reveal that his family had filed an eviction notice earlier on Monday to have him removed from their home.
Friends and fellow golfers remember Hiltebeitel as a kind-hearted individual who was always willing to lend a helping hand.
Dina Lauro, reportedly Hiltebeitel’s girlfriend, recalled him as “such a good, good person. He was exciting to be with, always in a good mood, never depressed, wake up happy.” Nancy Lauro, Dina’s mother, shared that Dina recently said she had never been so happy and that Brian brought joy to their lives, calling him the best person they had ever known.
Dina described her current feelings as numb, explaining that she is managing by taking it moment by moment, which she says is her plan for now.