Florida golfer, 65, beaten to death with own clubs at Palm Beach Gardens course

Brian Hiltebeitel brutally killed in what authorities are calling a "random act of violence" by Junior Boucher.

A 65-year-old golfer was tragically beaten to death with his own clubs at a golf course in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, in what authorities are calling a “random act of violence.” 

Brian Hiltebeitel was attacked Monday afternoon at the Sandhill Crane Golf Club by 36-year-old Junior Boucher, who has now been charged with first-degree murder.

Palm Beach Gardens Police Chief Dominick Pape explained that Boucher had no legitimate reason to be at the golf course. 

“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 and viciously attacked the victim, ultimately killing him," Pape said during a press conference.

Witnesses reported hearing Hiltebeitel scream, “He's trying to kill me,” before witnessing Boucher violently beat him with a golf club on the first fairway. 

Despite attempting to escape, Hiltebeitel was pursued by Boucher, who retrieved another club from the victim's bag and chased him into a nearby pond. There, Boucher continued his brutal assault, choking and beating Hiltebeitel until he was unresponsive.

After the attack, Boucher reportedly stripped off his clothes and fled into the woods, where officers later subdued him using a stun gun. Police arrested Boucher, who is being held without bond. He has a history of previous arrests, including charges for domestic battery, battery on a police officer, and drug possession.

Authorities say efforts to save Hiltebeitel's life at the scene were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced dead shortly after the attack. 

Boucher had been reported missing by his family just an hour before the killing. Court records revealed that Boucher’s family had filed an eviction notice earlier that day to remove him from their home.

Dina Lauro, Hiltebeitel's girlfriend, described him as a kind-hearted person who always maintained a positive attitude. 

"He was such a good, good person. He was exciting to be with, always in a good mood, never depressed, wake up happy," she said in a statement.

This shocking act of violence has left the local community in disbelief, as authorities continue to investigate the tragic incident.