The Murders of David and Carol Keeffe: Suspect and Arrest

Shortly after John DeSisti's arrest, Melissa Keeffe issued a public statement, which was released through a number of news media outlets:

David Keeffe

"As a criminal defense attorney, my father was a part of the criminal justice system for thirty years. My father was a true believer in our criminal justice system, and he was dedicated to his job. Now that an arrest has been made in my parents' murders, their case has to make its way through this justice system and that is going to take time. The only thing we can do at this point is to step back and let those that work in the justice system do their jobs. I am so grateful for the support my family and I have received [from] the community these past four years, and I ask on behalf of my family and myself for some space at this time as we deal with these recent events."

In the meantime, after officials decided there would be no preliminary hearing for John DeSisti until February 10, 2011, according to Magisterial District Judge Michael Shaw in Sayre, Pa. Shaw accepted an affidavit of probable cause and the 73-year-old murder defendant remains jailed. Shaw has since recused himself from the case because of his close relationships with many of those involved. The charges carry a potential death penalty, if convicted, but prosecutors have not yet said whether they will seek the death penalty. Meanwhile, it should be noted that a person charged with a crime is legally presumed innocent until proven guilty.