On November 25, 2024, a golfer was attacked and killed with his own golf clubs at the Sandhill Crane Golf Club in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The 65-year-old victim, Brian Hiltebeitel, was a local resident and an avid golfer.
The 36-year-old suspect, Junior Boucher, faces first-degree murder charges. Witnesses reported hearing Hiltebeitel cry out, “He’s trying to kill me,” as he was pursued by Boucher armed with a golf club. The chase ended near the first hole, where Hiltebeitel was allegedly driven into a pond by Boucher. According to witness reports, a struggle ensued in the water, where Boucher seemingly choked Hiltebeitel, then struck him multiple times in the head with a golf club.
When law enforcement officers arrived, they found Boucher, nude, trying to escape. They utilized an electronic control device to subdue him and took him into custody. Hiltebeitel was found in the pond, suffering from severe head injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Palm Beach Gardens Police Chief Dominick Pape stated, “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, with previous arrests including domestic battery and drug possession, is currently detained without bond in the Palm Beach County Jail. While the investigation continues, no prior connection between Boucher and Hiltebeitel has been established by authorities.
An hour before the attack, Boucher’s family reported him missing. Court documents also reveal his family had filed an eviction notice on Monday to remove him from their home.
Hiltebeitel was remembered by his friends and fellow golfers as a kind-hearted individual who was always ready to help others.
Dina Lauro, Hiltebeitel’s girlfriend, described him as “such a good, good person. He was exciting to be with, always in a good mood, never depressed, wake up happy.” Dina’s mother, Nancy Lauro, added that Dina recently expressed her happiness, attributing it to Brian’s presence in their lives, calling him the best person they had ever known.
Currently, Dina is dealing with her grief moment by moment, which she says is her strategy for now.
