Sullivan Man Indicted On Murder, Armed Criminal Action Charges

A Sullivan man was indicted Jan. 14 after allegedly stabbing a Washington man in the neck Dec. 27. 

A grand jury returned a true bill against Brehdin Keyes, 27, on charges of second-degree murder and armed criminal action.

The Sullivan Police Department, Sullivan Fire Department, and Missouri Baptist Ambulance responded to a report of a stabbing at 7:39 p.m. in the 300 block of Watson Road. 

Upon arrival, officers found the victim, Todd Shepard, 51, of Washington, lying outside the residence with a critical neck wound. Emergency responders provided aid, and Shepard was transported to Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Keyes was apprehended at the scene without incident. 

Officers also recovered a knife allegedly used in the attack. 

The weapon, a black-handled knife engraved with the initials "BAK," was found on a dresser in the bedroom where the stabbing reportedly occurred. Blood was visible on the blade.

According to a probable cause statement obtained by the Sullivan Independent News, a witness told investigators that she saw Keyes stab Shepard in the neck unprovoked while they were in the bedroom of the residence. The witness claimed the three individuals had been using methamphetamine together shortly before the incident.

Keyes reportedly admitted to officers that he had used methamphetamine that evening. During an interview at the Franklin County Adult Detention Center, Keyes waived his Miranda rights and confessed to stabbing Shepard. 

He told investigators he believed the witness was afraid of the victim and acted on what he thought were her wishes.

Charges were originally filed against Keyes on Dec. 28.