A mixed martial artist has been sentenced to 50 years in prison after admitting to the fatal shooting of his fiancée during a dispute related to his drug use.
On February 3, Philip Keller, 43, from Merritt Island, Florida, pleaded guilty to charges including second-degree murder and grand theft, which stemmed from the death of Alicia “Red” Campitelli, 35, in 2021. According to the Office of the State Attorney for the 18th Judicial Circuit, Keller’s plea agreement changed the original charge from first-degree murder, which typically carries a harsher sentence.
Campitelli was found dead in her apartment on May 15, 2021, after Keller called 911, stating that she had been shot. He reported, “I need help immediately, it looks like she’s dead… It looks like she’s been shot and been robbed.” Following the call, Keller attempted to flee from law enforcement but was arrested after jumping into a nearby creek.
After his arrest, Keller confessed to the crime, revealing that an argument over his drug use led him to shoot Campitelli three times, hitting her twice. He further admitted to using her debit card to buy drugs after the shooting and disposed of the gun in a canal.
At his sentencing, family and friends shared their grief over Campitelli’s death. Her mother expressed the profound loss, saying, “Our hearts are so broken every day… It was not just the end of her life. It was the end of our family’s life.” Her twin sister recalled the trauma and lasting impact of the tragedy, highlighting the emotional scars left by Keller’s actions.
This case has shed light on the devastating consequences of domestic violence and substance abuse, with calls for help available for those in similar situations.
