According to news reports, an elderly Troy man shot his neighbor in the face after the neighbor had complained about the man’s three dogs which were allegedly barking. David Keats, the 73-year-old owner of the dogs, was arrested on Friday, August 17 and was released on a $1, 000,000 personal bond.
Keats’ neighbor allegedly yelled at the dogs and kicked the fence around 9:15 p.m. at Keats’ residence on Atlas Street, according to Troy Police, who also say that after shooting the neighbor in the face, Keats continued to fire four more rounds as the neighbor tried to escape to safety. The 52-year-old neighbor was reportedly yelling at the dogs, telling them to shut up. He was admitted to the hospital for his injuries, but is now said to be at home recovering.
Several neighbors reported that Keats is a “sick, miserable person,” a “nuisance who continuously harasses others over petty things.” due back in court on August 27th , Keats was charged with possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony and assault with attempt to murder. New reports indicated that Keats may have returned to court on Tuesday to address the issue of his bond. One news source stated that the judge reversed the magistrate’s decision, and set Keats’ bond at $750,000 but that he remains in jail.
Keats’ attorney said that his client should be free until trial, as he is innocent until proven guilty. Prosecutors counter that Keats is an aggressive individual who is dangerous and an instigator, and that he should be behind bars until his next court appearance.
Individuals who are convicted of assaulting an individual with a gun or firearm but without the intent to murder or inflict great bodily harm are often sentenced to as much as 4 years in prison and fines of up to $2,000. Michigan murder defense attorneys know that when someone is convicted on charges of assault with intent to commit murder, he or she may face many years behind bars, perhaps even life.
While the defendant in this case has been charged with assault with intent to murder, no one knows if Keats actually intended to kill his neighbor, or just to intimidate him so that the neighbor would back off of his dogs. Regardless of the intent, it is critical that those charged with any serious criminal offense consult with a capable Michigan criminal defense lawyer.