NORTH BEND, Wash. King County Sheriff's Detectives are now calling Peter A. Keller a suspect in the murder of his wife and daughter Sunday morning in their house near North Bend.
Eighteen-year-old Kaylene Keller and 41-year-old Lynnettee Keller both died from gunshots to the head. The bodies were discovered Sunday by firefighters responding to a fire in the home. They also found seven gasoline cans inside.
Detectives and prosecutors have filed a Certification of Probable Cause, which was signed by a judge authorizing the arrest of Keller for 2 counts of 1st Degree Murder and 1st Degree Arson.
Probable cause documents state that Peter Keller was preparing for the end of the world, and had often took supplies to a fort in the woods.
Lynnette's family told detectives that Peter Keller had a survialist mentality and distaste for authority and would likely fight if confronted by police.
The documents also state that Keller reportedly told co-workers on April 18 that he may not come back to work the next week... or maybe ever.
Court documents also reveal that:
- The fire was set by placing a plastic gas can into a skillet on the stove and turning on the burner
- Keller was known to have a gun collection and body armor - all the weapons were missing from the home
- Keller had withdrawn $6,200 in cash from his bank account on Friday
- The safe in the home was left open, as was the door of a shed
- Keller purchased a new laptop computer within the last two weeks
- Keller's mountain bike is missing
Based on the facts that we have right now, we believe that violent death came to Lynnettee and Kaylene unexpectedly in their home from a family member who had been familiar and trusted, Sheriff Steve Strachan said at a news conference.
The obvious question is how much danger does Keller present for hikers, campers and the public, said Strachan.
I don't think we need to be fearful, but we do need to be aware and use common sense to stay safe. If you're hiking or using areas of the mountains carry a cell phone, do not confront Keller, and let us know if you see or know anything about his location, said Strachan.
Anyone with information on the car or Keller's whereabouts can call the King County Sheriff's Office at 206-296-3311 or 911.
