On Monday evening, October 14, 2024, a homicide investigation was launched following a tragic incident on Interstate 16 in Bulloch County. Captain Todd Hutchens, head of the Criminal Investigation Division at the Bulloch County Sheriff's Office, provided an update during a press conference on Thursday, detailing the events leading to the death of Candler County resident Bruce William Dupree.
The incident began with a 911 cell phone crash notification of a possible vehicle crash around 8:30 PM on I-16. However, upon arriving at the scene, law enforcement discovered something far more concerning—a victim, later identified as 40ish-year-old Dupree, lying critically injured on the side of the interstate. Despite medical efforts by both EMS and law enforcement, Dupree succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
As investigators searched for answers, they received a report from a local convenience store, POJO's Truck Stop (which is a few miles from where Dupree was located), where a man had entered with blood on his hands. This alarming detail prompted further investigation, leading deputies to find a Kia passenger vehicle near the store. The car, registered to a relative of Dupree, was abandoned nearby.
The case took a critical turn when authorities received another call, this time from the Patriot Inn on Highway 301. A man matching the description of the individual from POJO's was spotted, and deputies quickly apprehended him. The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Robert Brandon Lewis Keller from North Carolina, was taken into custody.
While the relationship between Dupree and Keller remains unclear, investigators believe they had some form of interaction before the incident, although it is not believed they were known to each other. "We feel pretty confident there's just one suspect," Hutchens said during the briefing.
The autopsy on Dupree confirmed the cause of death as multiple puncture wounds, leading authorities to classify the case as a homicide. Although the weapon used remains undetermined, investigators are treating the case as a murder involving a sharp object. Keller now faces multiple charges, including malice murder, armed robbery, and aggravated battery.
Hutchens emphasized the importance of community involvement in solving the case, expressing gratitude for the calls made by citizens who reported suspicious activity. "We were very thankful for the call from the clerk at POJO's and the Patriot Inn. These calls were instrumental in our investigation."
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities continuing to gather evidence and piece together the events leading up to Dupree’s death. Captain Hutchins concluded by encouraging anyone with information to contact the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division.
Keller is currently being held without bond.
Authorities are asking anyone with information about the case to contact Investigator William Sims at (912) 764-1767.
Grice Connect commends the citizens who took action by calling 911 when they saw something suspicious. Because of this and the quick response by GSP Troopers and the Bulloch County Sheriff's Office they were able to make a prompt arrest in this tragic case. We extend our condolences to Mr. Dupree's family and friends who are impacted by his tragic death.
