Man killed on Florida golf course in ‘random’ attack remembered as ‘good, good person’

Published November 27, 2024 9:40 PM EST

Brian Hiltebeitel, 65, was remembered by his longtime girlfriend, Dina Lauro, as an inseparable partner who brought laughter and joy to their lives and business.

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

Hiltebeitel was killed Monday afternoon at Sandhill Crane Golf Club in Palm Beach Gardens in what police are calling a random act of violence.

Authorities say he was about to tee off when a stranger attacked him with golf clubs and then drowned him in a pond. Officers later found Hiltebeitel’s body near the fairway of the first hole.

The suspect, identified by police as 36-year-old Junior Boucher, was naked and running away from the scene. He was later apprehended in what police described as an unprovoked incident.

Junior Boucher

"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," a police spokesperson said.

Lauro said Hiltebeitel’s golfing routine was typically in the morning before work. However, on Monday, he played later in the day after helping a friend.

"That's why he was at Sandhill Crane in the afternoon," she explained.

Just two days after his death, Lauro said she is grappling with the senselessness of the tragedy.

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"I don't know how I’m doing," Lauro said. "I’m just taking it moment by moment. That’s what I’m going to do—that’s the plan."

Boucher has been charged with first-degree murder and is being held without bond.

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