Blanchard Man Accused Of Gunning Down Wife Will Stand Trial

There is a new ruling for a Blanchard man accused of taking his wife's life because of her alleged gambling problem. The case has a community in shock.

For nearly the past year authorities have been gathering information to build a case against Larry Keeler. Keeler is accused of killing his wife inside the family business, and Tuesday afternoon a judge decided that case is strong enough to move forward.

The name has changed, but everyone still remembers what happened when the place was known as Gator's Deli.

Gaye Keeler and her estranged husband, Larry, owned the store. A McClain County judge decided there was enough evidence to prove Keeler shot and killed his wife as well as the couple's dog, and it all happened inside the business.

4/6/2014 Related Story: Man Arrested After Shooting, Killing Ex-Wife At Blanchard Convenience Store 

“The judge found that there was probable cause that this crime was committed and that Mr. Keeler was the one who committed that crime,” McClain County Assistant District Attorney Brian Hall said.

There are several witnesses listed for the state on court documents. One took the stand Tuesday. However, those witnesses were instructed not to speak about the case.

One was a man who was inside the store, but he didn't see the shooting. Another witnessed the entire ordeal.

News 9 honored her wishes not to speak as well as those of prosecutors, but the courtroom did hear from one woman Tuesday.

She was working with Gaye Keeler and "heard Gaye screaming and turned to look in the office where Gaye was." That's when she "saw Larry Keeler shoot Gaye and her dog until Gaye stopped screaming."

It was that testimony, along with the testimony of an agent, that was enough for the judge to determine a trial will be held and Larry Keeler will go to trial in the death of his wife.

A trial date has yet to be set. News 9 also spoke with the Keeler's son. He had no comment at this time.