FORT PIERCE, Fla. (CBS12) — Closing arguments are underway Thursday in the murder trial of a former police officer and firefighter accused of carrying out a brutal killing inside a Fort Pierce business.
Otto Lenke, 50, of Sebastian, is charged with first-degree murder and arson in the February 2021 death of Richard Benson, 57, at Benson’s motorcycle repair shop, Fast Frank’s.
During testimony this week, jurors were shown disturbing surveillance video from inside the shop. Prosecutors say the footage shows a man shooting Benson in the back, then dousing his body with a flammable liquid and setting him on fire.
The video was played again as attorneys prepared to wrap up the case.
Prosecutors allege Lenke used denatured alcohol to ignite the fire and described the killing as especially brutal. The crime happened just blocks from the Fort Pierce Police Department headquarters.
Jurors were shown graphic surveillance video of a Fort Pierce shop owner being shot and set on fire as closing arguments begin in Otto Lenke’s murder trial. (WPEC)
Investigators say the motive stemmed from a personal relationship. According to prosecutors, Benson had been dating a woman who previously had a relationship with Lenke.
Lenke, a former Melbourne police officer and Treasure Coast firefighter-medic, has pleaded not guilty. He told police he was not in Fort Pierce the day of the murder, did not know Benson, and had nothing to do with the crime.
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Lenke has also told the judge he does not plan to testify in his own defense.
Defense attorneys argue the state has not proven premeditated murder beyond a reasonable doubt.
Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty if Lenke is convicted.
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Once closing arguments conclude, the jury is expected to begin deliberations. If found guilty, a separate penalty phase would determine whether Lenke receives the death penalty or life in prison.