Arizona veteran's death remains unsolved months after being shot on the highway
PHOENIX - The family of an Arizona shooting victim is pleading for help to bring justice in the case as the suspect is still on the run months later.
Fifty-year-old Keith Henion was found in a crashed truck along Loop 202 near Alma School Road in Mesa around 1:40 a.m. on Jan. 28. When Arizona DPS Troopers arrived on the scene, they saw Keith had been shot and killed.
They believe he was shot somewhere between Dobson Road and Alma School Road on Loop 202, which is about a mile stretch of highway.
"Seven months into this investigation, detectives are still searching for the suspect(s) responsible for this cowardly attack. As family and friends continue to mourn, we ask the community to help by submitting anonymous tips through Silent Witness," the Phoenix Police Department said in a news release.
In a previous interview with Keith's mother, Peggy Aspinwall, she said he was a son, a veteran and a father.
She said Keith was driving home after working in Las Vegas when the shooting happened.
Months later, the family of Keith, alongside Phoenix Police, held a press conference on Aug. 7, asking for help finding his killer as there has been little movement in the case.
They've been waiting for answers since the beginning of the year.
"This did not need to happen," his mother said during the press conference. "There is a person in our community with a gun that can shoot you on the way home from work or school."
His mother talks about the Keith's impact on the world.
"Keith was model American. Just what you would want your child to be. We came from rural roots. He got in the Air Force to pay for his education. His education brought him two beautiful kids that are about to graduate themselves," she said.
Keith was just two exits away from his home when he died.
"We don't have a suspect vehicle. We don't have any information on suspects. That's why we're putting out (a picture of) Keith's vehicle," Phoenix Police Sgt. and Silent Witness coordinator, Brian Bower.
"The sad thing is that he was on his way home. He was not someone who caused problems on the road or caused problems in life. So when we say this could be anyone, it really could be anyone on their way home," said Shaunna Kelter, Keith's cousin.
Keith was with his wife for almost three decades. He leaves behind two kids – a 17-year-old son and 15-year-old daughter.
"Right before this happened, the week before, we took our son skiing up to Flagstaff for his 17th birthday and then this happened and my daughter's 15h birthday was a week later," said Elizabeth Henion, his wife.
Keith Henion (Photos from the Phoenix Police Department)
His family is remembering keith as an intelligent person who made everyone feel special.
"He was often the life of the party but also he was happy to let other people shine," said his sister-in-law Katie Grafing.
The family is hoping that by speaking out, this leads to an arrest, so the person responsible can't hurt anyone else.
"I just really miss him every day," Keith's wife said.
Silent Witness is offering a $7,000 reward in this case.
Anyone with information should contact Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS. Spanish speakers can call Testigo Silencioso at 480-TESTIGO. Si tiene alguna información sobre este caso, llame a la línea de Testigo Silencioso (480-TESTIGO, 480-837-8446). You can remain anonymous.