Authorities have hundreds of leads in search for suspect in North Bend killings
Apr 27, 2012, 5:40 AM | Updated: 6:50 am
The King County Sheriff’s Office says they’ve received hundreds of leads in the search for accused killer Peter Keller.
“We’re getting tips, we’re getting leads,” said Sheriff Steve Strachan. “What the detectives are doing is they’re going through and prioritizing those based on: How useful is this? How likely is this? Let’s talk a little about the person who called it in.”
Keller has not been seen since a Sunday morning fire at his home in North Bend led to the discovery of the bodies of his wife and daughter.
The King County Sheriff’s Office issued an arrest warrant Wednesday for Keller, who is wanted on two counts of first-degree murder and one count of first-degree arson, according to court documents.
The King County medical examiner has determined that Kaylene Keller and her mother, Lynnettee Keller, 41, both died from gunshots to the head.
Keller is described as an avid outdoorsman, and there were reports from Kaylene Keller’s boyfriend that Keller was stockpiling a fort in the woods, so Strachan says hikers in the area need to be careful and report anything suspicious they see.
“I don’t think we need to be fearful, but we do need to be aware and use common sense to stay safe,” Strachan said. “If you’re hiking or using areas of the mountains, carry a cellphone, do not confront Keller, and let us know if you see or know anything about his location.”
Police continue to receive tips, and encourage people with any information to call, even if their tip seems insignificant.
“They’re getting some phone calls and emails from people who say, ‘I don’t think this is anything,’ or ‘I feel stupid for even calling because I’m sure this is nothing.’ That is frankly the stuff we need. It can be relatively minor. It’s the little stuff taken cumulatively that can start to make the difference,” said Strachan.
Anyone with information is asked to call 206-296-3311.
