HENDRY COUNTY, Fla. — According to the Hendry County Sheriff's Office, an FWC Wildlife Officer was killed off duty Sunday morning.
Deputies say it was reported that someone was shot in the area of Apache Circle and Nobles Road.
When deputies arrived on the scene, they found Julian Keen, Jr., 30, fatally shot.
“There were two sheriffs officers there, and his best friend performing CPR, and they performed CPR for 45 min or better before they pronounced my son dead, ” said Patrick O'Bannon.
Authorities say the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit is leading the investigation with assistance from FDLE.
We spoke to his father and former high school football coach, Patrick O’Bannon, he says in the early morning moments before Julian was shot and killed, he was trying to get the license plate of a hit and run driver.
“So much chaos so much bull crap, that over a simple traffic accident my son has lost his life, ” said O'Bannon.
O’Bannon and the entire Hendry County community now remembering Julian’s life and legacy.
After college, he pursued his dreams of becoming a law enforcement officer.
“I think he took the test 5 times, but he kept pushing he had goals, ” said Patrick O’Bannon.
Those who knew him say they are not surprised that even in his last moments he was protecting and serving the community.
"He did so much for everybody, he was the most unselfish person I’ve ever met in my life, ” said Obannon.
“He was always helping out, he would do anything for anybody. That’s the only way I can describe him, he was such a good guy, ” said neighbor Carlos Suarez.
From one officer to another, Hendry County Sheriff Steve Widden, shares his condolences.
“We are deeply saddened by the death of FWC Officer Keen. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, members of FWC, friends and community”, said Hendry County Sheriff Steven Whidden. “We will do everything we can to bring about justice to those guilty in his shooting
death”.
Sheriff Whidden continued, “we all knew Officer Keen, and he wasn’t only our brother-but a role model for the community. He will be missed."
Julian Keen was a brother, son, friend, and role model to all who knew him.
“He didn’t just touch their lives he touched their hearts, he was just an amazing young man, ” said Patrick O'Bannon.
Investigators have three suspects in custody and are questioning them at this time.
If anyone has any information regarding this shooting, contact Hendry County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit at 863-674-0406.
