UPDATE: Elkhart robbery suspect dies while in custody

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Billy D. Keesey

Billy D. Keesey (Photo provided)

By Tiffany Griffin

Story Created: May 13, 2008 at 10:20 AM EDT

Story Updated: May 13, 2008 at 7:06 PM EDT

ELKHART — A 34-year-old robbery suspect held by Elkhart Police was pronounced dead late Monday at Elkhart General Hospital after being found unconscious in a holding cell at the Elkhart Police Station.

Autopsy results show Keesey likely died of a drug overdose, according to Elkhart County Coroner John White. Toxicology tests are still pending.

A safety officer found Billy D. Keesey unresponsive at 10:19 p.m. and medics were immediately called, said Lt. Ed Windbigler, public information officer for Elkhart police.

Keesey was taken to Elkhart General, where he died about 11 p.m., police said.

Keesey was being held in connection with a robbery at the Walgreens at 1416 Cassopolis St. about 8 a.m. Monday. Keesey was apprehended in the store with bottles of Oxycontin in his possession, Windbigler said.

Following his apprehension Monday, Keesey had trouble breathing, so he was taken to Elkhart General for treatment and later brought back to the police department.

The matter was turned over to Indiana State Police for further investigation, Windbigler said.

Tuesday, Jul 15 at 4:54 PM his babys mom wrote ...

Billy Dewayne was a good man That fell very hard on wrong road Ya dont no how bad he wanted to be good and do the right thing.He did not do this only for high, yes he did use but he saw money and alot of it. If he would have made it out of that store he could have bought a house,a car, and babys milk. Do you know it feels to be man and thing you can't provide for your family I know that he did it for and I love him more anything that is what really matter . WE MISS YOU DADDY child 1,2,3and4

Wednesday, Jun 4 at 6:21 PM ER Nurse wrote ...

I was working in the ER when this man was in the hospital. Billy was in excellent condition when he left EGH. His vitals were great and his xrays were normal. EGH did not do a bad job; This guy obviously had taken overdosed on medications. I started crying when I heard he had died; nobody wants to hear that a patient had died. I assure you, he did not die from something that was missed at Elkhart General.

Tuesday, May 20 at 9:25 PM Kristin wrote ...

YEAH SO, EGH HAS A BAD REP, WITH NOT DOIN THEIR JOB, FIGURES, HONESTLY I MISS HIM, AND HE DIDNT DESERVE TO DIE. I cant stand the thought of this. I just cant get over him not being here.

Thursday, May 15 at 2:22 PM Steve Burton wrote ...

Ok people, listen. Billy was not a drug dealer, murderer, etc. He was an addict. That is all. Billy was never violent at any time. He just stole things. For that he did wrong. But as someone that knew him , I beleive Billy was lost. But dont say he was violent. He never hurt anyone, except himself. Billy was a theif that stole to support a drug habit. He was a dope head, but he was also a friend. I m glad to have known him. I just wish someone would have saved him from himself.

Thursday, May 15 at 9:54 AM Steve wrote ...

First of all, no matter what, I want to say... some people will miss you Billy. To everyone else, I know this man was a criminal, but he was not always like this. For the most part he was a decent guy. Hell I grew up around him. He used to be a popular guy. Everyone liked Billy. He was the guy always cracking jokes and making everyone laugh. In his teen years Billy used to get in fights for his smart mouth, but for most part everyone still liked him. You just had to know him. Billy, RIP.

Thursday, May 15 at 1:47 AM Bill wrote ...

Sorry, I have no sympathy for him. I'm sorry for his family having to endure this pain, but he created his own demise.

Wednesday, May 14 at 8:13 PM Kristin wrote ...

You know what, not one of you knew Billi as a person, i personally knew him. Im not addicted to drugs i dont even toouch them, but Billi had a problem and in a short time he made a bad decision. He came from West Virginia who many people there are hooked on oxy's, he came out here to get away from all that, and found himself around the drug that had control over him. He has a 1 month old baby girl and a girlfriend who is very hurt from all of this. And yes i think that there should be a lawsuit

Wednesday, May 14 at 4:53 PM Linda wrote ...

Joel: I agree with you completely. I can't believe these people defending the criminal as if he had the right to hold up a place of business. What if he had shot, stabbed or killed someone. Would that have been okay with them. I am with you. NO SYMPATHY. Do the crime, do the time (knowing it might be with your very own life.)

Wednesday, May 14 at 2:43 PM Joel wrote ...

First off, sorry Linda. I didn't realize to whom your comments were directed. Second, compassionate conservatives like myself are compassionate about conservative views (less government for instance) not how criminals are treated. If you choose to break the law (felonies)you have no rights. I do feel for the innocent employees who were probably scared to death. The LAW ABIDING are who conservatives care for. Understand?

Wednesday, May 14 at 12:18 PM another reader wrote ...

ok everyone has something to say and for the most part it all sounds good. yes he was a PERSON, he was someones child, but he was an adult. He choose to do the things he did, I doubt his parents said to him hey son why don't you be a robbery, theif and overall drain on society.from experience i have a brother who i love but he is a drain on society. he calls my parents for money, wont work, thinks everyone owes him a living. this man that died well it was his time we are born and we then die.

Wednesday, May 14 at 9:34 AM Anon wrote ...

No loss to society here

Wednesday, May 14 at 9:03 AM Anonymous wrote ...

He would have probably died from the drug overdose even if he didn't get caught.

Wednesday, May 14 at 7:56 AM Linda wrote ...

A drug overdose. Now who are you going to blame? It sure isn't the hospital or the police. Hmmm...maybe it was his own fault.

Wednesday, May 14 at 12:27 AM Anon wrote ...

It is just one more time the anti-police use to belittle the police. The police took the punk to EGH and he was released by med professionals. I wonder what his blood test results will be.

Wednesday, May 14 at 12:03 AM tip wrote ...

he may have been a druggie but he chose to break the law and was unfortnate that he tried to run and was tackled,causing minor injury and was treated for it.he was not checked for drugs as not part of emergency room treatment.

Tuesday, May 13 at 10:13 PM ems gal wrote ...

It is sad this guy died but it was of his own actions. Law enforcement followed protocol taking him to EGH they released him saw no concern. The PD does not have EKG leads to watch his heart for all they know he was sleeping and when he was unresponsive 911 was called. this is just a no fault thing except the guys, for taking drugs and supressing his central nervous system, which caused him to slowly stop breathing, when taking an overdose or being abused.

Tuesday, May 13 at 9:10 PM James wrote ...

To PM criticize? all i did was stand up for OUR country, thats what we all should do, right? I agreed with them and asked to give us a Capital A did you read it at all or just looking to run your face? i dont feel i have to be capitalized, but America should. speak English or get the ---- out.

Tuesday, May 13 at 8:56 PM Interested wrote ...

This past weekend I watched a show about Alcatraz. Very interesting. They had a guy who was there for 5 years. He has been out now for many years and speaks to young people about crime and punishment. He has turned down pardons because the people at the bank he robbed will always have to remember being robbed, terrorized, threatened, and having their lives changed forever. Now that is real class. Does anyone think this guy would do that years from now after he cleaned up and served his time?

Tuesday, May 13 at 8:45 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I recently saw a report on another stations website stating that the State Police are being informed by the coroner that is being ruled a drug overdose but an official cause will not be determined until toxicology reports have returned. Just a thought but does this not help to support the idea that we should not judge the situation until all the facts are in. Too many people making assumptions always seems to make the situations much worse. Opinions are good but speculations lead nowhere.

Tuesday, May 13 at 8:32 PM mbd wrote ...

ahhh, sweet justice, sweet justice.

Tuesday, May 13 at 8:30 PM mbd wrote ...

Too bad he died, he was job security for law enforcent.

Tuesday, May 13 at 7:06 PM its hospitals fault!!! wrote ...

he must not of had insurance, hopitals have to stabalize you, they dont have to keep you, and they wont!! all hospitals need to change there names to "NO Pay No Stay"!!!! SAD huh?

Tuesday, May 13 at 6:50 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Civil or Criminal attorney??? What am I missing something here. The man robbed the man at the store, said he had a gun, fled from the scene like a coward, fought with a citizen after being captured and later died. Your right, it is unfortunate that this person has died, however, this person made that decision, no wrong doing her, other than on the part of the person who committed the crime. I am not trying to sound heartless, however, i feel sorry for the clerk who must have been terrified.

Tuesday, May 13 at 6:23 PM Anonymous wrote ...

WHo really cares that another piece of trash is off the streets! Good riddens

Tuesday, May 13 at 5:43 PM Dear James wrote ...

James, if you are going to criticize other people's grammar and capitalization skills please do so yourself. The word I is always capitalized. The word capitalized has an a not o. Check yourself before going after others. Thank-you.

Tuesday, May 13 at 3:53 PM hillery wrote ...

did anyone here understand the actual point?? the guy DIED AFTER being released from the hospital where he was taken because he had problems breathing....he was a PERSON...probably an adict..but a PERSON no less...he needed help..probably driven to a life of crime to support a habit...how sad...there for the grace of God go you or I would circumstances be that...have a little compassion for those less fortunate. Joel, maybe he had a mother who loved him...doesn't she deserve condolences?

Tuesday, May 13 at 3:48 PM James wrote ...

To Jim i agree with you, except please capitolize America she desreves it Thanks

Tuesday, May 13 at 3:45 PM Linda wrote ...

Joel, I am sorry if you took it as a response to your reply. This one was to Hillery. I am in full agreement with you. It is time us decent citizens of Elkhart take back the city no matter what. If the criminals don't like maybe they oughta move on.

Tuesday, May 13 at 3:25 PM Disgusted... wrote ...

Once again, I browse...and find us all acting like idiots to eachother. Congratulations...we can't get along. We continue to prove this on a daily basis.

Tuesday, May 13 at 3:19 PM idiot wrote ...

Hillery: a criminal attorney would not be in order here, a civil, wrongful death attorney would be.

Tuesday, May 13 at 3:18 PM Barb wrote ...

What a bunch of mean people here! It seems to me Oxycontin has claimed yet another victim. Unless you know the whole story save your nasty comments. Learn something by going to www.oxyabusekills.com

Tuesday, May 13 at 3:13 PM to Joel, Jim, et al. wrote ...

Last time I checked, the penalty for robbery was not the death penalty. I don't think this guy was a boy scout by any means, but he didn't deserve to die. Its funny how "compassionate conservatives" are "pro life" only when it comes to one issue. Hypocrites.

Tuesday, May 13 at 2:44 PM Joel wrote ...

Afraid not Linda. I don't steal for a living and I'm still alive. You on the other hand are a bleeding heart lib who has sympathy for all but who deserve it.

Tuesday, May 13 at 1:10 PM Linda wrote ...

You sound about as stupid as the criminal was. Were you two related?

Tuesday, May 13 at 12:01 PM Joel wrote ...

Who would give their condolences to this guys family?!?!?! Look at what he was stealing. Gee, what are the chances he was making meth or some other home drug. Looks like there's one less criminal and drug dealer off the street not to mention valuable tax dollars saved in not having to try this guy.

Tuesday, May 13 at 11:51 AM JIM wrote ...

hillery, what a piece of work you are. lets see, he gets caught in a robbery, has drugs on him. probably died from the drugs or maybe the lack of them and your thought is that it is someone elses fault that he died, so file a suit. that is what is wrong with america these days. no one can take responsability for there actions so everyone else must pay. the guy may have died if he wasnt caught or didnt go to the hospital. but because someone tried to stop him from doing wrong, its their fault.

Tuesday, May 13 at 11:06 AM hillery wrote ...

He had a problem breathing when arrested..went to the hospital, was released to jail then died....did the hospital drop the ball here? Seems if it was a heart issue or od then a blood test at the hosp. would have been in order..but maybe since he was just a criminal and not a human being it didn't matter? My condolences to the family and don't forget to hire a criminal attorney.

Tuesday, May 13 at 10:44 AM Anonymous wrote ...

hi my name is jenna

Tuesday, May 13 at 10:44 AM John Wesley wrote ...

gee, now i bet the person that apprehended him will end up being sued by his family. No good deed goes un-punished,

Tuesday, May 13 at 10:36 AM what a mess wrote ...

I bet the former officer who apprehended him is going to be convicted of murder. A prime example of vigilante justice gone wrong.

Tuesday, May 13 at 10:32 AM Elkhart citizen wrote ...

Well, I guess this guy won't be robbing anymore pharmacies! Let this be a lesson to all of you piece of trash criminals out there! You might be next.

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