Specialized Detectives from the Homicide Detail are investigating a murder in Johnson Valley 
DATE/TIME: Monday, December 22, 2019 8:23 a.m.
INCIDENT: Murder Investigation
LOCATION: 5900 block of Kickapoo Trail, Johnson Valley
VICTIM: Keith Putz, Jr., age 43 a resident of Johnson Valley
SUSPECT: Keith Putz, Sr., age 72 a resident of Johnson Valley
SUMMARY:
On Monday, December 23, 2019, at 8:23 a.m., dispatch received a 911 call from Keith Putz, Sr., reporting he had just killed his son, Keith Putz, Jr. Deputies and medical personnel arrived and found the victim in front of a trailer on the property suffering from gunshot wounds. The suspect was transported to a local area hospital with chest pains and difficulty breathing. A shotgun was located inside the suspects' home.
Homicide Detectives responded to conduct the investigation.
Through investigation, detectives learned on December 22nd, the victim burglarized the suspects' home. In the early morning hours of December 23rd, the victim stole the suspects’ vehicle and was involved in a pursuit with CHP; however, he was able to avoid arrest. The victim returned to the suspects' home upset because he had called law enforcement regarding the two prior incidents. The suspect and the victim were involved in an argument, the victim threatened to kill the suspect, and after the altercation, the suspect shot and killed the victim.
No arrests have been made; the investigation is ongoing. Upon completion, the report will be submitted to the District Attorney’s Office for review.
The investigation is ongoing anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Bruce Southworth, Specialized Investigations Division – Homicide Detail at (909)387-3589. Callers can remain anonymous and contact WeTip at 800-78CRIME or www.wetip.com.
Refer: Sergeant AJ Gibilterra or Detective Bruce Southworth
Station: Specialized Investigations Division – Homicide Detail
Phone No. (909)387-3589
Case No. DR#091901924 H#2019-139
JOHN McMAHON, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
Address/Location
SBSD - Headquarters
655 E 3rd St
San Bernardino, CA 92408
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 909-387-3700