Former Florida Police Officer Sentenced to Death for Killing Romantic Rival and Setting Him on Fire

A former Florida police officer has been sentenced to death for murdering a motorcycle shop owner he viewed as a romantic rival, after prosecutors argued that jealousy drove a carefully planned attack.

Otto Lenke, 67, received the sentence on October 14, 2026, for the February 2021 killing of Richard Benson, 57, who owned Fast Frank’s Cycle Concepts in Fort Pierce, Florida. A jury convicted Lenke of first-degree murder with a firearm and first-degree arson in May, then recommended the death penalty by an 11–1 vote.

According to court records, Lenke drove to Benson’s business on the morning of February 17, 2021, and waited before entering the shop wearing a motorcycle helmet and gloves. He shot Benson multiple times before pouring a flammable liquid over him and setting him alight. The attack was captured on surveillance footage, which later became important evidence in the case.

Prosecutors said the motive was jealousy. Benson had been dating Lisa Diggs, a woman Lenke had previously been romantically involved with. According to the sentencing order, tensions escalated after Lenke learned that Diggs was seeing Benson.

Investigators eventually linked Lenke to the killing through surveillance footage and other evidence. Diggs recognized the person shown in the video by his motorcycle helmet and distinctive way of walking. Investigators also examined vehicle movements, phone records and a firearm recovered near the Indian River Lagoon.

At sentencing, Circuit Judge Michael Linn described the murder as the result of a cold and calculated plan. He concluded that the death penalty was an appropriate punishment given the circumstances of the crime.

Lenke previously served as a police officer and firefighter. His conviction and sentence have drawn attention because of the brutality of the killing and his former position in law enforcement.

The case is not yet fully concluded. Florida law requires the state Supreme Court to review death sentences before they can be carried out, and Lenke is expected to appeal.

Source: DAILYMAIL