A man with a criminal past has been charged with multiple offenses following a deadly incident on I-16 in Bulloch County earlier this month. The suspect, 31-year-old Robert Brandon Lewis Keller, originally from North Carolina, is facing a series of serious charges, including malice murder, armed robbery, hijacking a motor vehicle, aggravated battery, and aggravated assault, and possession of a weapon during the commission of certain felonies. 

The charge of malice murder qualifies for the death penalty if Keller is convicted. 

Authorities responded to the scene after receiving 911 calls reporting a person laying on the side of I-16 eastbound near Mile Marker 113. There they found the victim, Bruce William Dupree of Candler County, with multiple puncture wounds. Dupree succumbed to his injuries despite attempts by first responders to save his life.

A tip from a nearby convenience store reported a man with blood on his hands and money but the suspect fled before deputies arrived. Keller was later apprehended at a local motel following a brief foot chase after he was reported to authorities for trespassing. Captain Todd Hutchens of the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office thanked the community for their help in quickly solving the case and capturing the suspect, Keller. 

Keller’s criminal history raises concerns about the rise of repeat offenders and the impact of “soft-on-crime” policies.

Critics argue that certain reforms, such as reducing bail requirements, have contributed to increased crime rates by allowing repeat offenders to remain on the streets. The surge in crime, particularly violent crime, is often linked to policies that limit the prosecution of specific offenses, early release of felons, and reduced police presence. This trend is particularly evident in urban areas, where such reforms have been implemented more extensively.

The investigation into the connection between Keller and Dupree is ongoing, with deputies working to determine any prior relationship between the two.