WATCH: Brevard Sheriff’s Agents Arrest Merritt Island Man for First-Degree Premeditated Murder of Alicia ‘Red’ Campitelli

Philip Keller charged with First Degree Premeditated Murder of Alicia Campitelli

ABOVE VIDEO: Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey announced that a Merritt Island man was arrested for First-Degree Premeditated Murder of Alicia ‘Red’ Campitelli.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office has arrested 39-year-old Philip Keller of Merritt Island for the homicide of Alicia ‘Red’ Campitelli that occurred on May 15, 2021.

Keller was arrested after an arrest warrant was signed by the Honorable Christina Serrano charging Keller with First Degree Premeditated Murder, Grand Theft, Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card and Tampering with Evidence.

Keller was transported to the Brevard County Jail Complex under a no-bond status.

According to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began at about 11:13 a.m. last Saturday when BCSO received an emergency 9-1-1 call from a man who identified himself as Philip Keller.

Keller reported he had just arrived at his residence on Schoolhouse Street on Merritt Island, and thought his fiancé, later identified as Campitelli, was dead.

“Keller stated his house appeared as if it were “robbed” and his fiancé appeared as if she had been “shot.” Keller reported Campitelli was not conscious and not breathing and disconnected the 9-1-1 call shortly thereafter,” said Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey.

“Upon the arrival of deputies at the residence, Ms. Campitelli was found with no signs of life and was pronounced deceased. Ms. Campitelli had visible trauma consistent with a gunshot wound.”

Sheriff’s Office Homicide Agents and Crime Scene Investigators then processed the scene and conducted numerous interviews.

One individual provided a sworn statement reporting hearing suspected gunshots at approximately 1:11 a.m. on May 15.  The witness described the gunshots coming from where Keller and the victim’s apartment is located.

The agents located video surveillance recordings of Keller conducting suspicious financial transactions at multiple businesses using the victim’s personal accounts between the witness statements of suspected gunshots and the reporting of the death.

Agents also conducted multiple search warrants relating to the activities of Keller during the time immediately preceding and following the homicide.

“Earlier tonight Keller provided specific information relating to the crime to a citizen who contacted homicide agents,” said Sheriff Ivey.

Deputies located Keller at a local establishment on Merritt Island, who upon seeing their arrival, entered Sykes Creek in an attempt to avoid law enforcement. Keller was detained shortly after entering the water.

He was transported to the BCSO Criminal Investigative Services where he was interviewed and subsequently transported to the Brevard County Jail.

“I would like to personally thank all of our amazing citizens who continued to provide information in an effort to assist in this investigation,” said Sheriff Ivey.

“In speaking with the grieving family throughout the week, they are very appreciative of so many who have assisted them in their time of need and for helping the Sheriff’s Office efforts.

“I would also like to thank everyone involved in the investigation of this senseless crime. The agents and investigators have been working around the clock to ensure justice was served for Alicia. We can only hope that with the arrest there is some sense of closure for the family.”

Anyone who may have information about this death investigation is asked to please call Agent Carmen Minthorn of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit at 321-633-8413  or CRIMELINE at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477). All calls to CRIMELINE are confidential and callers can remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward.

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