Crime Beat: Religion in America

Police: Man killed for not buying CDs

MT. LAUREL, N.J. – A motorist beat a man to death with a rock Thursday at a highway rest stop after the victim declined to buy his religious CD’s, police said.

The victim, Michail Makarenko, 75, spent 11 years as a Soviet political prisoner, said his interpreter and secretary, Gregory Burnside. Makarenko lived in Virginia and owned an art gallery that exhibited works of banned artists.

Brian White, 26, of Humble, Texas, was arrested after a 90-mile chase and charged with murder, eluding police and weapons violations.