Man Gets 25 Years for Second-Degree Murder in Indian Country

United States Attorney Thomas Scott Woodward announced today that Steven Thompson Keeling, age 48, was sentenced to 25 years’ imprisonment for murdering Edward Brown on January 17, 2011. The murder is in federal court based upon the deceased victim’s status as an Indian and the fact that the murder occurred in Indian Country.

Keeling, a non-Indian from Hominy, Oklahoma, previously plead guilty in federal court to second-degree murder in Indian Country, pursuant to a plea agreement with the government. Keeling admitted he shot and killed Edward Brown, a citizen of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, with a semi-automatic assault weapon at Brown’s residence in Leonard, Oklahoma, on January 17, 2011. Brown’s residential property was located on a restricted Indian allotment.

Keeling is also charged in Tulsa County with shooting with intent to kill another alleged victim, as a result of the same event. This allegation is in Tulsa County District Court based upon that alleged victim’s status as a non-Indian.

U.S. Attorney Thomas Scott Woodward said, “Prosecuting violent crimes in Indian Country is a priority for my office, and I hope today’s sentence brings some amount of closure and justice to Ed Brown’s family.” He also commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, and the Muscogee (Creek ) Nation Lighthorse Tribal Police for their exemplary and thorough investigation of this crime.

Assistant United States Attorneys R. Trent Shores and Clinton J. Johnson prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.