Deputies: Merritt Island man wanted for killing his fiancée found hiding in creek

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — A Merritt Island man was arrested Thursday after deputies said he killed his fiancée.

Deputies said Alicia Campitelli, 35, was found dead in an apartment on Schoolhouse Lane on May 15.

Investigators said her fiancé, Philip Keller, called 911 saying he returned home to find Campitelli shot after an apparent robbery.

READ: Visually impaired priest reunited with guide dog after legal battle with trainer

Deputies spoke to a neighbor who said they heard gunshots hours before Keller called 911.

They also obtained surveillance video of Keller making suspicious financial transactions between the time the witness heard the shots and when he called 911.

Alicia Campitelli (Brevard County Sheriff's Office)

READ: Central Florida businesses are struggling to hire employees. Here’s why

“Deputies located Keller at a local establishment on Merritt Island, who upon seeing their arrival jumped into Sykes Creek in an effort to avoid law enforcement. Keller was detained shortly after entering the water and transported to criminal investigative services,” said Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey.

A judge signed an arrest warrant for Keller on Thursday night, charging him with first-degree premeditated murder.

READ: Murder suspect turns himself in after being wrongfully released in Osceola County

Keller remains in jail without bail.

BREAKING NEWS CONCERNING AN ARREST IN THE HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION OF ALICIA “RED” CAMPITELLI
Posted by Brevard County Sheriff's Office, Florida (Official) on Thursday, May 20, 2021