WEBSTER, N.Y.–New details have been released related to what led authorities to arrest a suspect in a 13-year-old case involving a murder at a credit union.
Richard Wilbern, 56, has been arrested in connection with the 2003 shooting and killing of Raymond Batzel inside a branch of the then Xerox FCU here. Wilbern, who also worked at Xerox, also shot another member who survived the wounds.
According to police, they were led to Wilbern after a tipster said they had worked with Wilbern at Xerox before he was fired. Wilbern later filed a lawsuit alleging discrimination, according to wxxi.com.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Adam Cohen said authorities obtained DNA evidence from an umbrella that Wilbern left behind at the time of the robbery, according to wxxi.com. Cohen said there were three things that helped solve this case.
“First, an incredibly brave and remarkable tipster, who provided the name that we needed to press this case forward,” Cohen was quoted as saying. “Second, advances in science and technology, which have proven significant in so many other cases. And, last, some very bright, very dedicated agents, analyst and investigators.”
Cohen reported that authorities were able to get a sample of DNA from Wilbern when he stopped by the FBI office to follow up on a complaint he made about a real estate scam. He licked an envelope and the FBI got DNA from that to match against the umbrella, wxxi.com reported.
If convicted, Wilbern could get up to life in prison, or potentially, a death sentence.