On the afternoon of January 11, 2023, deputies responded to gunfire in the 16000 block of Hobo Lane near Saint Robert, Missouri. Officers and emergency crews found 63-year-old Robin Keppel with a critical gunshot wound to the chest; he was transported but died of his injury. Witnesses at the scene reported hearing three shots and said Keppel identified his attacker as a man known as Rudy, later identified as 31-year-old Tyron Spence-Bey.

Witnesses said Spence-Bey fled into nearby woods after the shooting and then went to a neighbor’s home, where he asked to use a phone. Law enforcement located and arrested him north of that residence. Officers recovered a firearm in the neighbor’s home that they say matched the weapon Spence-Bey had when he entered.

Spence-Bey told investigators he acted in self-defense, claiming Keppel fired first and he returned fire from the woods. Investigators say physical evidence does not support that version, noting a bullet would have had to travel about 418 feet through trees, brush, and vehicles to hit Keppel. Spence-Bey was charged with first-degree murder, armed criminal action, and unlawful possession of a firearm and held on $1 million bond.

If anyone knew Robin Keppel or has information about what happened that afternoon, please come forward.