Crime Library: Criminal Minds and Methods

Murders of David and Carol Keeffe: Preliminary Investigation

Street Talk

On January 8, 2007, it was reported that authorities in New York had recently served two search warrants related to this case. According to a source close to the investigation, those warrants were served on a motor vehicle and a house. It has also been alleged that several shotguns were among the items confiscated.

Athens Township Police Chief Larry Hurley
Athens Township Police Chief Larry Hurley

Two days later, Lohr sat down face-to-face with Athens Township Police Chief Larry Hurley, to find out the status of the investigation. According to Chief Hurley, he wanted to dispel some of the rumors regarding the investigation.

"There has been a lot of speculation and street talk," Chief Hurley said. "We've got a tremendous amount of work to do. Is there a light at the end of the tunnel? Maybe, but to get something in front of a jury to make a conviction, you almost have to have video of the crime. It is tough to win a case of this magnitude in front of the jury, so that's why we have to do everything we can. We have a lot of hard work ahead of us. People watch CSI, and they think instant gratification. Unfortunately, it does not work that way."

Chief Hurley would not comment on the search warrants served in New York. He would only say that none had been served in the state of Pennsylvania. Authorities in Waverly, N.Y., also refused to comment.

Regarding the killer, Chief Hurley said he could not comment on whether the task force was focusing on any particular individual; however, he did say the killing was not a random act.

"It's not like we have an assassin running around the streets at night assassinating individuals in the valley area," he said. "That's not true. These individuals were targeted for a very specific reason, and that is something we are still looking into."

As the interview wound down, Chief Hurley made it a point to say that the investigation was proceeding and that he was still looking to the public for new leads.

"We are willing to accept any and all information and tips regarding the case... We would like to resolve this thing as quickly as possible."

The day after the interview with Chief Hurley, a "media advisory" was sent out from Paul Lyon of Lyon Strategic Communications. According to Mr. Lyon, the Keeffe family had hired him to handle all media relations.

In response to an inquiry about the case from Crime Library, Lyon had this to say:

"The investigation is continuing and at this point, we are confident the police are doing everything in their power to bring whomever is responsible for this heinous crime to justice. We urge anyone who might have any information, however insignificant they think it might be, to come forward and share it with the police... The family would also like to thank the media for its patience, understanding and sensitivity during this difficult time. Hopefully, we'll have some news to report in the near future."

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