Person of interest in Keller case arrested in Louisiana

A flower is found in Prairie Park, which has been re-opened but police still warn and caution anyone from entering the heavily wooded park where burnt human remains were found.

By Demarcus Robinson and Lauren Stott

Update, 9:30 a.m. Friday 10-29: The “person of interest” was arrested in Louisiana. The Chicago Tribune is reporting that this is the same man who called police to notify them of a fire in Prairie Park after Toni Keller’s disappearance.

The man’s name has not been released yet.

 

Original story:

Police have a person of interest in custody for questioning about the Antinette “Toni” Keller homicide investigation.

The person is being extradited from out of state and the person’s name, age and any connection to Keller or the DeKalb area have not been released.

“The reason we are releasing very little information is because the case continues,” said DeKalb Police Chief Bill Feithen.

According to a written statement from Feithen, the person is currently in custody on charges of obstruction of justice and unlawful possession of a motor vehicle.

Feithen declined to comment further on the charges.

The extradition of this person to Illinois is still pending, and the investigation into the homicide of Keller continues, according to the release.

Feithen said the FBI is not currently involved in the investigation.

“We have been in contact with [FBI] and will certainly utilize those resources down the road,” Feithen said.

Feithen also said that Prairie Park has reopened to the public.

“We have removed our vehicles from Prairie Park and it is open for normal hours,” Feithen said. “We continue with additional patrols in the area.”

Feithen said that residents should still be aware of their safety this weekend.

“Everyone has concerns,” Feithen said. “The University Police and [DeKalb Police] have beefed-up security.”

In the statement, Feithen thanked the public for the numerous tips and leads it has provided in this case.

According to the release, police have received about 210 leads.

Feithen stated police are especially interested in any information about suspicious subjects and activities, especially fires, in Prairie Park, between midday Oct. 14 and the morning of Oct. 18.

Feithen said that as of Thursday night, no press conference is scheduled.

Please contact 815-748-8407, 815-753-8477 or Crimestoppers at 815-895-3272 with information.