Former Sebastian First Responder Sentenced to Death for Brutal Fort Pierce Motorcycle Shop Murder

FORT PIERCE, Fla. — A former Melbourne police officer and Indian River County firefighter with ties to the Sebastian community has been sentenced to death for the brutal 2021 murder of a Fort Pierce motorcycle mechanic, bringing a major chapter of a nearly six-year-old criminal case to a close.

Otto Lenke, 67, was sentenced October 14 by Circuit Judge Michael Linn at the St. Lucie County Courthouse for the murder of Richard Benson, 57, who operated Fast Frank’s Cycle Concepts in Fort Pierce.

The sentence followed a May 2026 conviction for first-degree murder with a firearm and first-degree arson. Jurors subsequently recommended the death penalty by an 11–1 vote.

A Calculated and Brutal Attack

The murder occurred on the morning of February 17, 2021, inside Benson’s motorcycle repair business on South Third Street, a short distance from Fort Pierce Police Department headquarters.

According to details of the sentencing findings reported by Law&Crime, Lenke drove to the business, removed his vehicle’s license plate and waited nearby before entering the shop wearing a motorcycle helmet with a tinted face shield.

Surveillance footage captured the attack. Benson was shot three times, and Lenke repeatedly prevented the wounded mechanic from reaching the exit. Lenke then poured denatured alcohol over Benson and ignited it while the victim was still alive.

Emergency responders discovered Benson inside the business after receiving a report of a structure fire. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Prosecutors Point to Jealousy as Motive

Prosecutors argued that jealousy motivated the killing.

At the time, Benson was romantically involved with a woman who had previously been in a relationship with Lenke. Court testimony established that Lenke had known the woman for years and had struggled with the change in their relationship.

The woman helped investigators identify Lenke in surveillance footage, recognizing characteristics of his walk and the motorcycle helmet he was wearing.

Investigators also examined vehicle surveillance, cellphone evidence and firearm evidence recovered during the investigation.

During the May trial, the defense challenged the prosecution’s identification evidence and maintained that the state had not proven Lenke was the person shown in the video. Jurors ultimately rejected the defense’s position and returned guilty verdicts.

A Career in Public Safety Ends in a Death Sentence

The case carries particular significance across the Treasure and Space coasts because of Lenke’s professional background.

Before his arrest, Lenke had served with the Melbourne Police Department and later worked as a firefighter-paramedic with Indian River County Fire Rescue.

His years in public safety placed him in positions responsible for protecting lives and responding to emergencies throughout the region.

For local residents, the circumstances stand in especially stark contrast to the responsibilities associated with those professions.

Judge Accepts Jury’s Recommendation

Following the guilty verdict, the jury considered whether Lenke should receive life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty.

Jurors voted 11–1 in favor of death.

In his sentencing findings, Judge Linn determined that the evidence supported a calculated and premeditated killing and concluded that the death penalty was justified.

Assistant State Attorney Brandon White, who prosecuted the case, welcomed the sentence.

Speaking to WPBF, White described the crime as among the most disturbing encountered in the judicial circuit and pointed to the surveillance footage and planning involved in the attack.

What Happens Next?

Although Lenke has received a death sentence, the legal process is not finished.

Under Florida law, death sentences are automatically reviewed by the Florida Supreme Court. That review provides an additional examination of the conviction and punishment before an execution can proceed.

Florida law currently permits a jury to recommend death when at least eight of its twelve members support that sentence, provided the statutory requirements are met. Lenke’s 11–1 recommendation exceeded that threshold.

The court’s October 14 ruling marks a significant development in a case that began more than five years ago, when Richard Benson was murdered inside the business where he earned his living.

For Benson’s family and those who knew him throughout the Fort Pierce motorcycle community, the sentencing represents a major milestone in the long pursuit of justice.

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